tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52634809541705218172024-03-14T03:33:10.543-05:00Diane Bohannanreal life and daydreamsDiane Bohannanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10649770737967864449noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5263480954170521817.post-45709305930508560132018-01-18T00:02:00.000-06:002018-05-17T12:24:31.322-05:00Back At ItAfter missing a few years because life got busy, I'm back at the blog! We built a house and I wrote some more NaNo novels! Okay, I attempted to write them. I didn't make it to the 50K mark, but I wrote, and that's what matters.<br />
<br />
I've thought lately about some goals for this year after speaking with my sister, who has made some excellent goals for 2018. I'm super jealous of her determination of completing a list of 20 things! Not just one New Year's resolution! As I pondered this, I definitely came up with some writerly goals. Two of which are to finish the edits for my YA fantasy and query it before summer. The other is to revise and edit my 2013 NaNo YA sci-fi, which I adore.<br />
<br />
As far as personal or family goals, I just want everyone to eat, sleep, and be healthy! So I'm going to try to cook more meals at home and encourage all my little chickens to sleep, myself included (hubs also!). And hopefully return to my fondness for yoga and pilates. I had a friend ask me to join her for Jazzercise! I might give a whirl. I do love to dance.<br />
<br />
Stay happy, my friends! đź’—<br />
<br />
No one can do you like you do.<br />
<br />
Like the Slo Mo Guys on <a href="https://nerdist.com/the-slow-mo-guys-made-a-rainbow-out-of-exploding-airbags/" target="_blank">Nerdist</a>. They made an exploding rainbow!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://nerdist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/slow-mo-guys-paint-explosion-rainbow-615x346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="slow-mo-guys-paint-explosion-rainbow" border="0" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-478834" sizes="(max-width: 615px) 100vw, 615px" src="https://nerdist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/slow-mo-guys-paint-explosion-rainbow-615x346.jpg" srcset="https://nerdist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/slow-mo-guys-paint-explosion-rainbow-615x346.jpg 615w, https://nerdist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/slow-mo-guys-paint-explosion-rainbow-768x432.jpg 768w, https://nerdist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/slow-mo-guys-paint-explosion-rainbow-680x382.jpg 680w, https://nerdist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/slow-mo-guys-paint-explosion-rainbow.jpg 970w" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="rainbow-paint" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-478837" src="https://nerdist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/rainbow-paint-615x343.jpg" />Diane Bohannanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10649770737967864449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5263480954170521817.post-89419740565772377122015-11-30T22:59:00.000-06:002015-11-30T22:59:38.358-06:00AND DONE!NaNoWrioMo 2015 is over today! I just finished and received this awesomeness! I love how encouraging the NaNoWriMo folks are. I wouldn't have my first draft of a new novel without them! The community is amazing!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvtCZewzTKavLXoFzB7KSJGduBus3Haqs2TjYcc3fYs3TMuab448X_9R6xaz-OXnjFqv7xXSSV-LFDuJgORbTzTrZLSz49nidPETbPhP3mJHGZJPavpdejZectamlNNRgvomnvOAHO7o/s1600/NaNo-2015-Winner-Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvtCZewzTKavLXoFzB7KSJGduBus3Haqs2TjYcc3fYs3TMuab448X_9R6xaz-OXnjFqv7xXSSV-LFDuJgORbTzTrZLSz49nidPETbPhP3mJHGZJPavpdejZectamlNNRgvomnvOAHO7o/s320/NaNo-2015-Winner-Banner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm still cheering for all those who are in different time zones and typing away! YOU CAN DO THIS! Even if you don't hit the 50K mark--if you've typed a page or a chapter--you have made more words happen than zero. And that's something!!<br />
<br />
For those who are finished, I hope to revise and rewrite with you in the coming months! We have our drafts, now let's make them shine before next November!!<br />
<br />
Love to each of you! You're irreplaceable. Only you can tell your story!<br />
<br />
Love and blessings!!Diane Bohannanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10649770737967864449noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5263480954170521817.post-23371583134810743252015-11-15T22:01:00.000-06:002015-11-16T13:17:36.794-06:00Hitting the Halfway PointToday is the 15th day of NaNoWriMo!!! YAAAAAAAAAAY!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4A9WVQF6WLTZFqcsTFGi49hr8Ds-gAjL5PfSnu8X1xc0CuUc9g5LBa4M33bokRQgFr_vqflUfZ36MgONb4_-9EY0LAbh6dgqfokwjIQQAC-vVTSCYL4_eCTNcsAUs3fgZ7G7eLOYm4s/s1600/tumblr_nk0stlTxDD1sn9k23o1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4A9WVQF6WLTZFqcsTFGi49hr8Ds-gAjL5PfSnu8X1xc0CuUc9g5LBa4M33bokRQgFr_vqflUfZ36MgONb4_-9EY0LAbh6dgqfokwjIQQAC-vVTSCYL4_eCTNcsAUs3fgZ7G7eLOYm4s/s320/tumblr_nk0stlTxDD1sn9k23o1_500.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Congratulations to all who have written more than one word! Double congrats if you've completed a sentence!<br />
<br />
NaNoWriMo isn't the same for everyone.<br />
<br />
Some decide they have to write the traditional 50K.<br />
<br />
Some try to finish a novel that they've already started.<br />
<br />
Some might try to write 50 picture books!<br />
<br />
Whatever your goal is, keep going.<br />
<br />
Keep trying!<br />
<br />
Don't worry about word count or if the story is amazing or not.<br />
<br />
There will be an entire year before next November for editing!!<br />
<br />
Just write the words! Any words!<br />
<br />
YOU CAN DO THIS!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglczHaKxqCET13OdmLAPgmkYJb9QyzvtXATLkRWRwqhP2Y_l-xB5sDzQNfivS-dGVlCsvpV0PlcoBEsmfkokzOIkD-Df2-Z8t0nURw1NysFTHcvwYYfHTrWL0R9rTJtSZGmBWxo_4nH74/s1600/Woody-Harrelson-You-Can-Do-This-Jennifer-Lawrence-Hunger-Games.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglczHaKxqCET13OdmLAPgmkYJb9QyzvtXATLkRWRwqhP2Y_l-xB5sDzQNfivS-dGVlCsvpV0PlcoBEsmfkokzOIkD-Df2-Z8t0nURw1NysFTHcvwYYfHTrWL0R9rTJtSZGmBWxo_4nH74/s320/Woody-Harrelson-You-Can-Do-This-Jennifer-Lawrence-Hunger-Games.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Know that you're wonderful and no one else out there has a story just like yours. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's going to be great! </div>
<br />Diane Bohannanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10649770737967864449noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5263480954170521817.post-19101269278066615562015-10-30T11:44:00.000-05:002015-10-30T11:44:44.520-05:00NaNoWriMo 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwHyr8-OAKsNLzlEbCFleMcS6a8T_bxZuetXjjwQSBTCZAx5xK_QIQm_bL4T8HHn0LPLcn1Jru8fwTE6TG8yCabjEvE7sZ0SN-FK7q852vypR3UVh2PO2QlzWCizdUEu0TVlOgD6pRLtY/s1600/NaNo-2015-Participant-Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwHyr8-OAKsNLzlEbCFleMcS6a8T_bxZuetXjjwQSBTCZAx5xK_QIQm_bL4T8HHn0LPLcn1Jru8fwTE6TG8yCabjEvE7sZ0SN-FK7q852vypR3UVh2PO2QlzWCizdUEu0TVlOgD6pRLtY/s320/NaNo-2015-Participant-Banner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
In just two days...<br />
<br />
I'll be participating in another NaNoWriMo! YAY!!<br />
<br />
I love how tons of writers come together and encourage one another to get creative and write! Last year I wrote a YA supernatural fantasy called Blood and Bones, which I'm querying right now!<br />
<br />
Writing a novel in 30 days can be done. Don't give up!<br />
<br />
Like most creative peeps, I have a very specific formula that gets me through NaNo.<br />
<br />
Breathe.<br />
Eat.<br />
Sleep.<br />
Write!<br />
Read.<br />
Watch TV.<br />
Write!<br />
Kids.<br />
Hubs.<br />
Friends.<br />
Write!<br />
Family.<br />
Thanksgiving Dinner.<br />
WRITE FASTER!<br />
Sleep.<br />
WRITE LONGER!<br />
All The Other Things!<br />
Christmas shop.<br />
WRITE THE END!<br />
<br />
Really. I do all this. BUT...<br />
<br />
To actually write, I use a computer. HA! No, really, I write in short blasts throughout the day. It's like sprinting. Though it's not as cute as these adorable penguins.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4nnj4xFNor7r3YHsIZL2p-JeXFh-P7c8gQBPO9NRLtf_g_Kqg8GnpRr6QNHFwiJiWOby7r6srPb666IGUccdQFSmg8fgHIc3n_P8-6GlOx91hXKAdWu-d0QqZbZ088NVWHOALlw8WAgM/s1600/anigif_enhanced-buzz-15412-1327085582-9.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4nnj4xFNor7r3YHsIZL2p-JeXFh-P7c8gQBPO9NRLtf_g_Kqg8GnpRr6QNHFwiJiWOby7r6srPb666IGUccdQFSmg8fgHIc3n_P8-6GlOx91hXKAdWu-d0QqZbZ088NVWHOALlw8WAgM/s320/anigif_enhanced-buzz-15412-1327085582-9.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
First, I find pockets of time for my writing blasts. It might look like thirty minutes while waiting in the pick-up line or an hour after the kids go to bed. Once I've got my time pockets, I'm faithful to them or my novel doesn't get done.<br />
<br />
To make sure my writing blast time is successful, I plan it out. I jot down a few sentences at the top of the page, which I use as a rough outline. If I have a longer time pocket, my outline is a little longer. If I only have ten minutes, I may just plan a scene.<br />
<br />
Once I finish my word count for the day, I brainstorm for the writing blasts the next day.<br />
<br />
And that's it! So far, I've been able to reach 50K each NaNoWriMo.<br />
<br />
How about you? What are your favorite tips and tricks?<br />
<br />
If you're diving into NaNoWriMo for the first or tenth time, GOOD LUCK! And if you want a buddy, I'm <a href="http://nanowrimo.org/participants/didibo" target="_blank">here</a> over at the NaNo site! :)<br />
<br />
<br />Diane Bohannanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10649770737967864449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5263480954170521817.post-1572572801167124082015-07-30T15:44:00.000-05:002015-08-07T13:05:05.535-05:00Organizing Your Writing Space<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvnZ_LTXyG8tctOChDTclw8luU2SDbYmnwo9CBSQ3b8upprssD7YucEdfn7FGsGRJYX6EC2YamhdT5VMJUoI7U_UUhKgmB6hdtEqk9VSllQmAJiNyQIoDjFil45C9DsyC1kck1Tus-_4U/s1600/writing+desk+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvnZ_LTXyG8tctOChDTclw8luU2SDbYmnwo9CBSQ3b8upprssD7YucEdfn7FGsGRJYX6EC2YamhdT5VMJUoI7U_UUhKgmB6hdtEqk9VSllQmAJiNyQIoDjFil45C9DsyC1kck1Tus-_4U/s400/writing+desk+image.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Image by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/eclectic-echoes/6681499071/in/photolist-bbqqTR-qXxpmB-8N8dvj-baXh4g-nzUSNg-cStW19-9haPGE-ttCZ23-5q5WS-r1bvw6-6npXdM-eQRR7g-sL72Eo-hLfHxA-9kwdW1-6xFkea-bxHE8V-oXbFwM-ujBRas-9vQRq-8Yyhdt-2SsHds-kCxbqx-e5Y2k3-di1hpQ-bkqbsM-9z8dWi-bLZZcF-px8GkT-rUmxHM-oZHKAD-7vsrew-t3SSE8-5tBKSt-j8DBGh-85aKxb-azs5wx-fL7b8o-r411Tk-9gMmqM-9eexgJ-9qNQFz-8ZjtXT-dMhJoj-9eM9xQ-rhx7Zr-9gyP2t-dH3qH6-rhVHnq-98jSNi/" target="_blank">Eric Heupel</a> via Flickr</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
At home, my writing space is in my bedroom. It's an old desk where I also tend to stack papers and books. I pay bills there and file stuff. It faces a window and has a little lamp on it.<br />
<br />
Does a little clutter bug me? Not really. Usually, I move the paper pile and books off the desk when I sit down to write or edit, and move them back when I'm done.<br />
<br />
Is this ideal? Probably not.<br />
<br />
So I decided to hunt down some ideas via Google on how to create a productive writing space. Here are some of the most helpful hints I found.<br />
<br />
1. Free your space of clutter!<br />
2. Some inspirational notes, pictures, verses, etc are acceptable, but trinkets galore can be distracting.<br />
3. Have a door you can close.<br />
4. Sometimes we write in a cafe or coffee shop, bookstore, or library. So, yeah, no doors. But also no distractions like laundry, bills, pets, kids, spouses, etc...<br />
5. If working without a door, bring some excellent earphones/headphones.<br />
6. Make sure you have the supplies you need. Examples: stapler, paper, pens, pencils, computer, your brain! :)<br />
7. Write once you get there!<br />
<br />
And that's the gist of it. These are quick and easy tips, but aren't always easy to follow.<br />
<br />
Will I always have a clean, organized writing space? Probably not. With three kids at home during the summer, it's easier for me to leave when the husband gets home and chill out at Starbucks. Ahem, I mean write.<br />
<br />
Sometimes away from home helps me focus, especially if the coffee shop closes at 10pm and I get there at 7pm. I work my butt off for three hours without getting distracted.<br />
<br />
How about you? What does your writing space look like? Does it change from day to day? Are you a clutter bug or a minimalist? I love hearing from you!<br />
<br />Diane Bohannanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10649770737967864449noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5263480954170521817.post-80497927136917891702015-07-01T23:05:00.001-05:002015-07-01T23:06:54.576-05:00Don't Stop!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioKTaKpECD7KuVKxxhCevPH37TpUzcX3VjA9BdIjMISwx1KXITXpZiM0N1HbuFjnrXdjaVpcW1qOaBzlkWzMnP6lwxdaTDaD5lYOWbOd9wZnkriLNWUPSOThLue5cysOEvwyACX8ERzl8/s1600/pen+and+paper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioKTaKpECD7KuVKxxhCevPH37TpUzcX3VjA9BdIjMISwx1KXITXpZiM0N1HbuFjnrXdjaVpcW1qOaBzlkWzMnP6lwxdaTDaD5lYOWbOd9wZnkriLNWUPSOThLue5cysOEvwyACX8ERzl8/s320/pen+and+paper.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image via Flickr by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/philgyford/4284791548" target="_blank">Phil Gyford</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
When the muse hits, it's great! Words flow from our brains to the page.<br />
<br />
Then, we stop. There's nothing.<br />
<br />
How is the main character going to get out of the mess she's in? I can think and think and have absolutely no idea.<br />
<br />
That's when I just go with whatever pops into my brain.<br />
<br />
Yep. I make something up that may or may not work in the end, but at least I have something written down.<br />
<br />
Never suppress the imagination. Go with it. You can always edit it or revise if a better (more logical) idea comes your way.<br />
<br />
So when writer's block hits hard, push back! Don't stop! Keep creating no matter what!<br />
<br />
<br />Diane Bohannanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10649770737967864449noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5263480954170521817.post-89617179286387983652015-04-30T08:00:00.000-05:002018-05-17T12:27:30.205-05:00Finding Hope When All Seems HopelessAt any point in time we can all feel hopeless.<br />
We wake up to a flat tire. We left the headlights on overnight.<br />
We're running late.<br />
<br />
The computer crashes.<br />
A kid is sick.<br />
We fight with a loved one.<br />
<br />
Writer's block!<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://giphy.com/embed/1saKkQJCI7DGM" width="480"></iframe><br />
<a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/writing-joseph-fiennes-1saKkQJCI7DGM">via GIPHY</a><br />
<br />
<br />
All these things and more.<br />
<br />
Anytime. Anywhere.<br />
<br />
So how do we find hope when it feels like the world wants to chew us up and spit us out?<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="259" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//giphy.com/embed/c7iEJEyf3y9xu?html5=true" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="480"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
For me, I turn to God. I pray my little heart out. I read and meditate on God's promises for my life.<br />
<br />
I call my husband. Talk to a friend. I reach out.<br />
<br />
In my writing life, I seek out my critique partners and hunt the web for relevant blog posts.<br />
<br />
There is hope. A new day comes tomorrow.<br />
<br />
Sometimes, this works, sometimes, it doesn't. The hopelessness may last more than a day or two. Don't give up. Shake things up. Get a new perspective.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b>Kicking Out Hopelessness</b></u>:<br />
<br />
1. Remember you are loved.<br />
<br />
2. Don't try to live this life alone. Reach out. Reach up. Grab on to life. Talk to someone about what you're feeling.<br />
<br />
3. Take time for yourself. Take care of yourself.<br />
<br />
4. Remind yourself that things will change. It might be for the worse, but it might get better. Don't shut out the possibilities.<br />
<br />
5. Love the people around you. Sometimes being a blessing to others can shake the feeling that all is wrong in the world.<br />
<br />
And always DANCE!<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="269" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//giphy.com/embed/Fshr1duH5MNs4?html5=true" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="480"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
How about you? How do you deal with life's ups and downs whether it be writing or just a week that feels like everything against you?<br />
<br />
Shine on! Be you! You're irreplaceable!<br />
<br />Diane Bohannanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10649770737967864449noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5263480954170521817.post-34632604985401404742015-04-24T07:00:00.000-05:002015-04-24T08:22:43.355-05:00Eternal Sacrifice Cover Reveal! + GIVEAWAY!!<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Today, I'm thrilled to reveal the cover to the last book in the Mortal Enchantment series!! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
AND AND AND!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
If you're new to the series, this is the <strong>BEST TIME</strong> to check it out!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: navy;"><strong><br /></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: navy;"><strong>THE SHADOW PRINCE & MORTAL ENCHANTMENT are currently available for <i>FREE</i> on Amazon April 24th-April 28th!!!! </strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: navy;"><strong><br /></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: navy;"><strong>EEEEEEKKKK!!</strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: navy;"><strong><br /></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: navy;"><strong>So pick up your copies NOW!!!</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: navy;"><strong><br /></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: navy;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Stacey-ONeale/e/B00IVS7FHE/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1429626800&sr=1-1" style="color: navy;" title="Amazon">Click HERE for Links to FREE BOOKS!!!</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And now, here is the cover of the last book in the series, <strong>ETERNAL SACRIFICE</strong>!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Drum roll, please...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://staceyoneale.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/EternalSacrifice.v2-Final.v2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="EternalSacrifice.v2-Final.v2" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1910" src="http://staceyoneale.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/EternalSacrifice.v2-Final.v2-200x300.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: navy;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23446593-eternal-sacrifice" style="color: navy;" title="GR">Click HERE to add this book to your Goodreads TBR!</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As promised, here is the Gift Card CONTEST!!!</div>
<center>
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="b86d075d186" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b86d075d186/" id="rcwidget_gcli4jmv" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script></center>
Diane Bohannanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10649770737967864449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5263480954170521817.post-59831515249029441822015-04-21T07:00:00.000-05:002015-04-21T07:31:07.142-05:00PLAY ON Release Day! + GIVEAWAY<span style="font-size: large;">Play On by </span><span style="font-size: large;">Michelle Smith</span><span style="font-size: large;"> is out today! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Giveaway at the bottom of the post! Win a copy of the book, Amazon gift card, or bookmarks!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBQ441w-tx3nwptF0ju_dOxKHTSv4taqrcLGzmUrs_mID5Ieqv3pMqZU2FtrDaGmRQkQp9yxQZaMOuN0LMii_n8ckrVMuG2XU0wJEVZ66_SRhtg25GCy0Ia6uVux-gS8nt3CD2LYEcps/s1600/Play+On+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBQ441w-tx3nwptF0ju_dOxKHTSv4taqrcLGzmUrs_mID5Ieqv3pMqZU2FtrDaGmRQkQp9yxQZaMOuN0LMii_n8ckrVMuG2XU0wJEVZ66_SRhtg25GCy0Ia6uVux-gS8nt3CD2LYEcps/s1600/Play+On+Cover.jpg" height="320" width="210" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBQ441w-tx3nwptF0ju_dOxKHTSv4taqrcLGzmUrs_mID5Ieqv3pMqZU2FtrDaGmRQkQp9yxQZaMOuN0LMii_n8ckrVMuG2XU0wJEVZ66_SRhtg25GCy0Ia6uVux-gS8nt3CD2LYEcps/s1600/Play+On+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBQ441w-tx3nwptF0ju_dOxKHTSv4taqrcLGzmUrs_mID5Ieqv3pMqZU2FtrDaGmRQkQp9yxQZaMOuN0LMii_n8ckrVMuG2XU0wJEVZ66_SRhtg25GCy0Ia6uVux-gS8nt3CD2LYEcps/s1600/Play+On+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the
small town of Lewis Creek, baseball is everything. Especially for all-star
pitcher Austin Braxton, who has a one-way ticket out of town with his
scholarship to a top university. All that stands between him and a new start is
one final season. But when Austin starts flunking Chemistry, his
picture-perfect future is in jeopardy. A failing grade means zero playing time,
and zero playing time means no scholarship.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enter Marisa Marlowe, the new girl in town who gets a job at
his momma's </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">flower shop. Not only is Marisa some home-schooled super-genius,
she's also a baseball fanatic and more than willing to help Austin study. As
the two grow closer, there's something about Marisa that makes Austin want more
than just baseball and out of Lewis Creek--he wants a future with her. But
Marisa has a past that still haunts her, one that she ran all the way to South
Carolina to escape.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As Austin starts to peel back the layers of Marisa's pain,
it forces him to look beyond the facade of himself and everyone he thought he
knew in his town. What he sees instead is that in a small town like Lewis
Creek, maybe baseball isn't everything--maybe it is just the thing that ties
them all tog</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ether.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/play-on-michelle-smith/1120253899?ean=9781939392596" target="_blank">B&N </a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Play-Lewis-Creek-Michelle-Smith/dp/1939392594/ref=sr_1_3_twi_1_pap?ie=UTF8&qid=1428181303&sr=8-3&keywords=Play+ON" target="_blank">Amazon</a> <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Play-on-Michelle-Smith/9781939392596" target="_blank">Book Depository</a> <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781939392596" target="_blank">IndieBound</a> </div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">And today, I have an <b><i>exclusive excerpt</i></b>!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
In this
excerpt, Marisa surprises Austin on the baseball field…in more ways than one.<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
~<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5263480954170521817" name="_GoBack"></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i>I pass the bat to her, watching her face light up
like a full moon on a summer night. “Now, it’s a little heavy,” I joke. “Think
you can handle it?”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i>Her eyes widen. “I don’t know,” she says
breathlessly. “I may need the help of a big, strong, baseball player. Because
we both know that baseball is <span style="font-family: Lora-Italic; mso-bidi-font-family: Lora-Italic;">so </span>superior to softball.”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i>I shake my head. “That’s not entirely true. Your
balls are bigger.”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i>We stare at each other. Stare. Stare some more.
She’s the first one who breaks, bursting out laughing. It’s one of the best
sounds I’ve heard in a long time.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i>“Here,” I say, still laughing. I carefully place
my hands on her hips, helping her square up over the plate. “In case, you know,
you’re too out of practice.”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i>She bites back a smile. “Yeah. Because I’ve
totally forgotten how to square up for a pitch.”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i>“Two years is a long time.” Resting my hands on
her shoulders, I remind her, “And relax these. You’re too stiff.”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i>She hangs her head. “You’re killin’ me, Smalls.”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i>I walked right into that one. She relaxes her
shoulders. Slowly, my hands move down her arms until they rest on top of hers.
They’re so warm, fit so perfectly in mine that it almost hurts to let them go.
But I do, because, you know, <span style="font-family: Lora-Italic; mso-bidi-font-family: Lora-Italic;">friends</span>.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i>“There,” I say on an exhale. “Ready?”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i>Her lips curve up. “Let me have it, Floral
Prince.”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i>My mouth drops open. “All right. No mercy,
Marlowe.”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i>I grab the ball and jog out to the mound. I gotta
say, she’s the prettiest batter I’ve ever been up against. Taking a deep
breath, I wind up and let my fastball fly.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i>That girl smacks the hell out of the ball.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><span style="font-family: Lora-Italic; mso-bidi-font-family: Lora-Italic;">Holy</span>… I turn, watching it sail all
the way back to the fence. When I whirl back around, she grins, pointing the
bat at me.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i>“And that’s how it’s done,” she calls to me,
setting the bat in the dirt. She wipes her hands on her jeans.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i>All I can do is gape. Some of the guys on our team
could take a lesson from her. It’s not like I thought she would be bad, but
damn. I pull off my cap as I walk toward her. As soon as I tug it onto her
head, she laughs. </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i>“Are you going to have any of these left?”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i>“I have an endless supply.” I nudge the brim of
the cap, so I can see her eyes. “And you’ve earned that one.”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i>She quirks her lips into this little half-smirk
that makes me pure weak in the knees. Takes a step closer. Another. And
another. I swallow hard. My hands ache to touch her, to pull her to me and kiss
the daylights out of her.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:107%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i>But friends, though.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br />
Y'all, I can't even tell you. If you're a fan of love or baseball or both, PLAY ON is the book for you!</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg12tnMcLgyeH7g7xwCLi37q2v4s8oGn_s491TG1F3Nn4-Xwe-n__f1BsaLJlrPO3R1ZWCkeT3h5rmPfMgFXD_84N8GV2_-bwiqJUzMmilw6KyZYic3U1vDw2Wa5p51SAq7SbXqwwNy-do/s1600/Play+On+Promo+Teaser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg12tnMcLgyeH7g7xwCLi37q2v4s8oGn_s491TG1F3Nn4-Xwe-n__f1BsaLJlrPO3R1ZWCkeT3h5rmPfMgFXD_84N8GV2_-bwiqJUzMmilw6KyZYic3U1vDw2Wa5p51SAq7SbXqwwNy-do/s1600/Play+On+Promo+Teaser.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This teaser melts my heart! BUT...</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
PLAY ON isn't just all romance and loveliness, it hits some hard topics. Check out what Michelle has to say on what it takes to write such a fantastic novel.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #741b47;">1. Play On
touches on several sensitive topics. What do you hope your readers will take
away from reading it?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #741b47;">I hope they come away knowing that illnesses do
not define us. That setbacks, mistakes, scars, whatever we’ve done in the
past—none of that defines who we are. That yes, you can fall to rock bottom,
and you can still <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">thrive </i>after that
fall. There’s laughter, and happiness, and hope, and love waiting for
you—there’s so much love. And I hope they know that they’re worthy of that
love.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #741b47;">It’s okay to not be okay. It’s okay to reach out.
It’s okay to admit that you need help with this crazy life-thing. Because none
of us have all the answers—we’re just doing the best we can. And we’re all in
it together. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #741b47;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #741b47;">2. What
scene do you most regret having to cut?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #741b47;">Not really a scene itself, but one of the lines.
In the original draft, Austin had an ex-girlfriend that was, in a word,
vengeful. One night, Austin told her to leave, and she came back to slash his
truck’s tires. After discovering what happened the next morning, his mom said,
“Your breakup really brought out the redneck in that girl.” That line always
made me giggle. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #741b47;">(There’s no ex-girlfriend in the final version, by
the way. She got the cut in my first round of edits.)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #741b47;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #741b47;">3. On the
flip side, what was your favorite scene that got added during edits?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #741b47;">My favorite scene in the entire book was added
during edits!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It takes place
toward the end and involves stars, hand-holding, and Austin and Marisa talking
about what’s to come, rather than the past. It’s a sweet moment that makes me
grin like an idiot.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #741b47;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #741b47;">4. Biggest
writing quirk?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #741b47;">I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">have </i>to
have something on my feet, whether it’s socks or shoes. Like, I absolutely
cannot write with cold feet. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #741b47;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #741b47;">5. Are you
working on any new projects?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:107%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #741b47;">I am! I can’t say too much at the moment, but I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">will </i>say that we haven’t seen the last
of Lewis Creek. ;)<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5263480954170521817" name="_GoBack"></a> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #741b47;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Happy book birthday!</span><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<!--EndFragment--></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqTt93UQmheg1DEWQgQmTmBwBubSgqg0hnFUov3vs88o3dIeHvpaWYGeHhpMVX6HyPAYl6zP_ynuKWpNnkAwtGruPn18EjooIgHtry9vKkYeESJv3m-xlbDB1_yF2qW83skALpiTNrwdw/s1600/Michelle+Smith+Author+Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqTt93UQmheg1DEWQgQmTmBwBubSgqg0hnFUov3vs88o3dIeHvpaWYGeHhpMVX6HyPAYl6zP_ynuKWpNnkAwtGruPn18EjooIgHtry9vKkYeESJv3m-xlbDB1_yF2qW83skALpiTNrwdw/s1600/Michelle+Smith+Author+Photo.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Michelle Smith was born and raised in North Carolina, where
she developed a healthy appreciation for college football, sweet tea, front
porches, and a well-placed “y’all.” She’s a lover of all things happy, laughs
way too much, and fully believes that a little bit of kindness goes a long way. Michelle lives near the Carolina coast with her family.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 17px;">Find out more about Michelle!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><a href="http://msmithbooks.com/" target="_blank">Website</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MichelleA_Smith" target="_blank">Twitter</a> <a href="http://michellesmithya.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Tumblr</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Michelle-Smith/102249256558130" target="_blank">Facebook</a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="a799953b54" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/a799953b54/" id="rcwidget_w7ujg0qq" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>Diane Bohannanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10649770737967864449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5263480954170521817.post-13151248689739493272015-04-14T08:00:00.000-05:002015-04-14T08:49:26.297-05:00PLAY ON Blog Tour + Giveaway!Today I'm so excited to be a part of the PLAY ON blog tour with an AWESOME character interview! The publisher, Spencer Hill, is generously gifting a copy to one lucky winner so make sure to enter the giveaway below.<br />
<br />
Here's more about the book and the character of the day, Marisa!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Vh4C69PRFaYIUX09XWuprIGvoLNyCA4JSgSIMTuuQCZUlM-BOEDscHClyNv5HW8HYQ05UPbMPNYEOWNDEbTiP5Cqe_FUedve86nFMpltNsIA5SU2UTlLG_qschDw_vpnVdWg4mIZQPM/s1600/Play+On+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Vh4C69PRFaYIUX09XWuprIGvoLNyCA4JSgSIMTuuQCZUlM-BOEDscHClyNv5HW8HYQ05UPbMPNYEOWNDEbTiP5Cqe_FUedve86nFMpltNsIA5SU2UTlLG_qschDw_vpnVdWg4mIZQPM/s1600/Play+On+Cover.jpg" height="320" width="210" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: #990000;">In the small town of Lewis Creek, baseball is everything. Especially for all-star pitcher Austin Braxton, who has a one-way ticket out of town with his scholarship to a top university. All that stands between him and a new start is one final season. But when Austin starts flunking Chemistry, his picture-perfect future is in jeopardy. A failing grade means zero playing time, and zero playing time means no scholarship.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="color: #990000;">Enter Marisa Marlowe, the new girl in town who gets a job at his momma's flower shop. Not only is Marisa some home-schooled super-genius, she's also a baseball fanatic and more than willing to help Austin study. As the two grow closer, there's something about Marisa that makes Austin want more than just baseball and out of Lewis Creek--he wants a future with her. But Marisa has a past that still haunts her, one that she ran all the way to South Carolina to escape.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="color: #990000;">As Austin starts to peel back the layers of Marisa's pain, it forces him to look beyond the facade of himself and everyone he thought he knew in his town. What he sees instead is that in a small town like Lewis Creek, maybe baseball isn't everything--maybe it is just the the that ties them all together.</span></i><br />
<br />
WOW! I can't wait to read it!!<br />
<br />
You can preorder now at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Play-Lewis-Creek-Michelle-Smith/dp/1939392594/ref=sr_1_3_twi_1_pap?ie=UTF8&qid=1428181303&sr=8-3&keywords=Play+ON" target="_blank"><b>AMAZON</b></a>, <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/play-on-michelle-smith/1120253899?ean=9781939392596" target="_blank"><b>B&N</b></a>, <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Play-on-Michelle-Smith/9781939392596" target="_blank"><b>BOOK DEPOSITORY</b></a>, and <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781939392596" target="_blank"><b>INDIEBOUND</b></a>.<br />
<br />
Now for the interview with Marisa!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1.
What do you love about school? Do you have a favorite subject?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #073763;">Austin calls me a weirdo because I love
Chemistry, but…I LOVE Chemistry. It’s fascinating to discover how things
function and work together.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2.
Have you always been home-schooled?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #073763;">My mom started homeschooling me near the
end of junior year. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3.
Do you want to go to college? If so, what do you want to study?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #073763;">I’m going to University of South
Carolina after graduation! I’m super excited. I was set on Chemistry for a long
time, but I think my dad may have convinced me to go Pre-Med? Kind of crazy.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4.
Why work at a flower shop? What’s your favorite flower?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #073763;">When my family and I moved to Lewis
Creek, I’d been cooped up for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">way </i>too
long. I love my parents, but…yeah. Way too much time together. I was desperate
to get out and just <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">meet </i>people, and
to have something that made me feel, I don’t know, normal? So when I saw the ad
for Braxton’s Bouquets, I thought, “Why the heck not.”</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #073763;">My favorite flower is a purple rose.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5.
What drew you to the small town of Lewis Creek?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #073763;">I’d just been accepted to University of
South Carolina when my parents decided that it was time to move away from
Baltimore. Both my parents grew up in South Carolina, and since I’d be moving
here soon anyway, they figured we’d all move down here together. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6.
What have you always wanted but never asked for?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #073763;">Hm. That’s a tough one.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #073763;">Understanding, maybe? I know I can be
hard to handle. I know it’s not always easy to be friends with me. And I have a
hard time asking people for that understanding.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7.
What qualities are you looking for in a friend?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #073763;">*points above* Understanding, even if I
do hate asking for it. Loyal. Trustworthy. Someone who makes me laugh, because
laughing is the actual best. Oh, and a baseball fan, please.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #073763;">I’d be more open. But it’s hard.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">9.
If you could meet anyone living or dead, who would it be?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #073763;">If you could give me ten minutes with
Chipper Jones, I’d be yours forever.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10.
What do you like about yourself?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #073763;">I’m smart. I can fill in the periodic
table without cheating. And I like that.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">11.
What do you like about Austin?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #073763;">Austin…he’s a good one. Super-adorkable.
Unbelievably sweet. Pretty goofy. The whole understanding-thing comes naturally
to him. And he doesn’t push. He never pushes.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #073763;">And we won’t even talk about that grin
of his. Or his accent. Both of which snagged me from the get-go.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">12.
If you could have anything in the world, what would it be?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #073763;">World peace? KIDDING. Okay, not really—world
peace would be awesome. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #073763;">I want <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the </i>world. I want college and friends and love. I want a job and a
family and a place in the world to call my own. I want to travel. I want to be <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">happy</i>. And I kind of think that
happiness is something we make for ourselves, so I want to make it happen.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">13.
Do you have a favorite candy? If so, what is it? Or if not, what’s your go-to
snack?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #073763;">I’m not really a candy person, but give
me popcorn or give me death. And Austin got me hooked on barbecue, which I kind
of hate him for.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">14.
What do you love about baseball? Do you have a favorite team?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #073763;">Baseball is MAGIC. That field, and those
bleachers? They’re home. Favorite team: the Atlanta Braves. Always and forever.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">15.
Do you play a sport? If not, do you wish you did?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I played softball until I started homeschool, and I
miss it like crazy. Luckily, I know a guy who can sneak me onto the field. J Oh, and I can totally kick his friends’ butts at
the batting cages. They’ll never admit it, but take my word for it.</span><!--EndFragment-->
<br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">OH MY GOSH, I love this girl already!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9HT2yw5K-LARCtnd_87Se8hX10H0of9rX3hlv-bvDWQDQ76b3OpmYNsUyr0iyXJTAkP6vGMZBLmlCZwbNb6yUKo0u6RtjfnGx6N1l2P8WwgFAzn86N9vIdI2_LBy-GkqNxePqO2OuH-8/s1600/Michelle+Smith+Author+Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9HT2yw5K-LARCtnd_87Se8hX10H0of9rX3hlv-bvDWQDQ76b3OpmYNsUyr0iyXJTAkP6vGMZBLmlCZwbNb6yUKo0u6RtjfnGx6N1l2P8WwgFAzn86N9vIdI2_LBy-GkqNxePqO2OuH-8/s1600/Michelle+Smith+Author+Photo.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><i><span style="color: #990000;">Michelle Smith was born and raised in North Carolina, where
she developed a healthy appreciation for college football, sweet tea, front
porches, and a well-placed “y’all.” She’s a lover of all things happy, laughs
way too much, and fully believes that a little bit of kindness goes a long way.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><i><span style="color: #990000;">Michelle lives near the Carolina coast with her family.</span></i><span style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><i><span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><i><span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Find out more about Michelle on her <a href="http://msmithbooks.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: black;">website</span></b></a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/MichelleA_Smith" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: black;">Twitter</span></b></a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Michelle-Smith/102249256558130" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: black;">Facebook</span></b></a>, and <a href="http://michellesmithya.tumblr.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: black;">Tumblr</span></b></a>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="a799953b52" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/a799953b52/" id="rcwidget_b8p7w379" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>Diane Bohannanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10649770737967864449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5263480954170521817.post-51518862748436584962015-04-06T13:29:00.000-05:002015-04-06T13:40:00.916-05:00Hello Spring!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYs-2W8JkS6liucAOkIg213mOHo9HxX0Jfw6hzmp366if6NrvU-ny9lJ_eVoiyoFhLa1u_d4GGU59EjZh9_RPEoF9U-d_pwpwBZ13csmcj0O-vZZmfSkYlPYAdB8vt2AZ9neZTazFm_gc/s1600/4478116620_1850e268a1_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYs-2W8JkS6liucAOkIg213mOHo9HxX0Jfw6hzmp366if6NrvU-ny9lJ_eVoiyoFhLa1u_d4GGU59EjZh9_RPEoF9U-d_pwpwBZ13csmcj0O-vZZmfSkYlPYAdB8vt2AZ9neZTazFm_gc/s1600/4478116620_1850e268a1_z.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Texas Bluebonnets by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/m_t_t/4478116620/in/photolist-E6KJy-bxeorw-e4h6y2-FLjJq-7Q47XQ-7TBaMo-e2XTQG-7PHw4f-9vZFdA-69MGBS-7REW8b-6eHec3-9yJgXi-7TukBn-J1ffM-FapXn-7Rgj39-bJafMt-nDNPDi-edd7tS-9yyjfW-68GGPU-bHMXkX-ea3WvX-knJ-bFA5nM-bFA5zB-GRNYQ-bw2rJj-bw7zEQ-6dz6YF-diY7E2-GzQf1-nCFkfS-ea3W3P-FR1CP-9aoe8F-26r7X5-6eDxzn-6eDsSX-6eD5Ez-6eD3yD-6eH6sU-9nCtR-EvE6A-4FsLjt-7Uwyzz-7UwyBD-FQVXq-nvHfrK" target="_blank">Matt Turner</a> via Flickr</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Okay, wow, I haven't been here since November! I have, however, been over at <a href="http://revisionwarriors.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Revision Warriors</a>! Check out my blogs <a href="http://revisionwarriors.blogspot.com/search/label/Diane" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
I'm so excited it's SPRING! And in a sense, I'm doing some spring cleaning by updating here and also sharing some things that have/are happening.<br />
<br />
So I finished NaNo! I'm revising and rewriting that beast right now. It's name is BLOOD & BONES and I'm soooooo very, very, very excited about it. The genre is YA and it's a supernatural horror fantasy. That's a mouthful, but... it is what it is! The story takes place in a world that reflects the Ottoman Empire for those who took Humanities in college. *wink* And it has pirates and all sorts of evil that doesn't seem evil until it melts your skin off. So much fun!<br />
<br />
Next up on the writerly front, I signed up for <a href="http://dfwcon.org/" target="_blank">DFW Writers Conference</a>! I'm so excited about it! If you're in the DFW or North Texas area, I would highly recommend going. They have a great line-up of agents and editors.<br />
<br />
My super awesome critique partner and fellow Revision Warrior, <a href="http://msmithbooks.com/" target="_blank">Michelle Smith</a> has a book coming out April 21!! It's name is PLAY ON and you can find out more about it at <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21896076-play-on" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>. Seriously, y'all it's a MUST READ. And...next week, I get to be a part of the blog hop!! Can't wait!<br />
<br />
I've also been <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user_challenges/1866639" target="_blank">reading</a>! And I can't leave here without saying that I'm so sad The Walking Dead is over. :( Until next season! I can't wait for <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/03/09/entertainment/feat-thr-walking-dead-spinoff/" target="_blank">prequel this summer</a>! The next show I'm looking forward to is the return of Hell on Wheels, also this summer! In the meantime, I'm watching Supernatural, Agents of Shield, Constantine, and Arrow. All great shows!<br />
<br />
Until next time... Happy writing and reading! Only you can be you so SHINE ON! Happy Spring! :)<br />
<br />Diane Bohannanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10649770737967864449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5263480954170521817.post-75707001642033966152014-11-06T21:49:00.003-06:002014-11-07T22:00:13.357-06:00NaNoWriMo 2014!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCQ8MtJ2VZ4o098eHqJ7cW-OWUpYoYZ9FvCw8_rAz9JZRhimUYTKoJ-1mFSAHZn28imHQohFUbVOQG0etE9yCUTMykUp7JEKy4xT1dzbCgc2V1hI7LMRWYPSE6BpFYfxfJEXQUfpsQUdE/s1600/Participant-2014-Web-Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCQ8MtJ2VZ4o098eHqJ7cW-OWUpYoYZ9FvCw8_rAz9JZRhimUYTKoJ-1mFSAHZn28imHQohFUbVOQG0etE9yCUTMykUp7JEKy4xT1dzbCgc2V1hI7LMRWYPSE6BpFYfxfJEXQUfpsQUdE/s1600/Participant-2014-Web-Banner.jpg" height="118" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I've been busy since Halloween! Almost every free moment has been stolen by my desire to write 1,700 words a day for NaNoWriMo. I participated last year and had such a great experience (and I might be addicted...) that I had to join in again for word mania! ;)<br />
<br />
Because I did NaNo last year, I'm doing some things a little differently this year.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>At the end of each day, I scribble down what I need to write about the next day. This has been super helpful for me. I highly suggest doing the brainstorming the day before to save time staring at the computer screen.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<ul>
<li>If I can, I try to write half of my word count in during the day and half after my kids go to bed. This helps what I call BRAIN DRAIN. I should do brain crunches or something to help eliminate this problem, but I haven't figured out how to do that. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>I'm writing editorial notes as I go. I can't completely shut down the inner editor, so this is my compromise. Right now, I'm guessing that half of the names for people and/or places will change when I go back to edit after November. There are also many, many repetitive words that will need the assistance of a thesaurus. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
</ul>
And that's it so far. If I come up with any other strategies, I'll try to write them down and blog about them. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Are you participating in NaNo? Or do you hate the idea of writing fast and sloppy? If you're participating, let me know, and I'll cheer for you! :) </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Diane Bohannanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10649770737967864449noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5263480954170521817.post-83165238293734795122014-10-31T23:26:00.001-05:002014-10-31T23:26:54.026-05:00Happy Halloween!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI5SNAHFHOFauHOdpVznkikmefiQ61cQYnkuyZWpPhv0PTBRGR-JmGFzqKWhUfUSoqYVy_ZnR3ascagXVFT-olEv1Lqxxpw8croCUEtvaWxRreX2Igg35pvRWDquw7iA1U9CDWgbHAch0/s1600/adventure-time-marceline-2-800x600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI5SNAHFHOFauHOdpVznkikmefiQ61cQYnkuyZWpPhv0PTBRGR-JmGFzqKWhUfUSoqYVy_ZnR3ascagXVFT-olEv1Lqxxpw8croCUEtvaWxRreX2Igg35pvRWDquw7iA1U9CDWgbHAch0/s1600/adventure-time-marceline-2-800x600.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I couldn't pass up Halloween and not write about my love for vampires! It all started when I watched Interview with a Vampire and all the Blade movies a long, long, long time ago. I literally had to drag my friends with me to watch them. Next came Queen of the Dammed and Bram Stroker's Dracula and then...Twilight, a totally different kind of vampire (and my friends willingly went with me!) as was Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. Daylight was an interesting take on the undead as well as Let the Right One In. The TV shows True Blood, The Vampire Diaries, The Originals, and Dracula are always fun to watch too. I haven't seen the most recent Dracula movie, but it's on my must-see list.<br />
<br />
As much as I love movies and TV shows about vamps, I also love books about them. Some of my recent favorites are Holly Black's <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12813630-the-coldest-girl-in-coldtown?ac=1" target="_blank">The Coldest Girl in Coldtown</a>, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10215349-the-immortal-rules" target="_blank">Julie Kagawa's Blood of Eden</a> series, and <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/301082.Dead_Until_Dark" target="_blank">Charlaine Harris's Sookie Stackhouse novels</a>. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7719245-paranormalcy?ac=1" target="_blank">Paranormalcy</a> by Kiersten White is also wonderful and full of a very different kind of vampire.<br />
<br />
The most intriguing thing for me about vampires is that they live so long and I wonder what it would be like to watch people you love die and still keep going year after year. And after hundreds of years of loss and relearning to love, knowing that loss would be inevitable, I ponder the frailty of the mind and heart. So I always like seeing how different people write vampires and how those immortals deal with their longevity.<br />
<br />
How about you? Do vampires creep you out or interest you? Any great books or movies I must read or watch? I love recommendations! :)Diane Bohannanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10649770737967864449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5263480954170521817.post-49687547187579295222014-10-20T12:24:00.004-05:002014-10-20T23:50:20.914-05:00Magic isn't just for witches and wizardsI so wanted to post last week, but life happened! My oldest son broke his arm and as mommy, I was more than happy to press pause on everything else to make sure my dude received all the help he needed adjusting to life with a cast. Now he's back in school, and I have the time to give a shout out to...<br />
<br />
WITCHES AND WIZARDS!<br />
<br />
Unlike zombies, I haven't read any genre mash-ups with witches or wizards, but if you have, please tell me so I can put those titles on my TBR list. :)<br />
<br />
Why do I think witches and wizards are awesome?<br />
<br />
They have power(s) to change the world around them and influence people whether for good or bad. Their choices make a difference in the world that they live in.<br />
<br />
And my answer got me thinking. I want to make a difference and influence people. I want to change the world for good, and I can! You can! We have the power of happiness, kindness, goodness, the ability to build confidence in others, eliminate their loneliness, heal their wounds, and give them hope. Those things are tangible and lasting in our world. Heck, loving each other changes lives for a lifetime. So let's wield some real magic this Halloween. :)<br />
<br />
Now, on to some of my all-time favorite witch and wizard stories:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107120/?ref_=tt_rec_tti" target="_blank">Hocus Pocus</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0100944/" target="_blank">The Witches</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120791/?ref_=nv_sr_2" target="_blank">Practical Magic</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0363771/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Narnia's White Witch</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2288064/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Witches of East End</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094332/?ref_=nv_sr_2" target="_blank">The Witches of Eastwick</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1405406/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Bonnie from the TVD</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0115963/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">The Craft</a>, and all the <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0241527/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Harry Potter</a> and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120737/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">The Lord of the Ring</a> books and movies.<br />
<br />
And here are some books that I love that are simply magical, not necessarily about witches or wizards:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGjv6irX-zJActFeIl_KyUvp_9PItp7XSaMaMe4EE0atEZTdQtHR8kF-vu40dQ9cIMriPJDS9jy89buwQRUjytYT2HWnxqj6rfRG-bOFvi3DuUqW0wEf-aNlIYnLOe2Ur1wE7wvZgTUmI/s1600/6342491.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGjv6irX-zJActFeIl_KyUvp_9PItp7XSaMaMe4EE0atEZTdQtHR8kF-vu40dQ9cIMriPJDS9jy89buwQRUjytYT2HWnxqj6rfRG-bOFvi3DuUqW0wEf-aNlIYnLOe2Ur1wE7wvZgTUmI/s1600/6342491.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpJS_eypDy_LhKO4AXRlFr8VjiuDyloW3M6dejeIbLqJlEyDKjdDeGu52hxBXuRg1nSwZbYU6EBT_RVPZ_KwWUqk_FbpZbF6hlGoQbnynf_cN5jJblptIuqObXWSsJiSaGVYPZk5See00/s1600/7719245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpJS_eypDy_LhKO4AXRlFr8VjiuDyloW3M6dejeIbLqJlEyDKjdDeGu52hxBXuRg1nSwZbYU6EBT_RVPZ_KwWUqk_FbpZbF6hlGoQbnynf_cN5jJblptIuqObXWSsJiSaGVYPZk5See00/s1600/7719245.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyygZX70nlRY0nDoyXMrEkbZ8XDbNgcq2zxkHOsP7hgK2gxCK3mWTYnSZDUYh0OpyVTf91G0bi2Z9sv0qsEd4R48Ow5rJm6zIOclauKmDI_si_wQZ1rnLH2l0YkAgujgLEAiuoxfvvV7k/s1600/8573642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyygZX70nlRY0nDoyXMrEkbZ8XDbNgcq2zxkHOsP7hgK2gxCK3mWTYnSZDUYh0OpyVTf91G0bi2Z9sv0qsEd4R48Ow5rJm6zIOclauKmDI_si_wQZ1rnLH2l0YkAgujgLEAiuoxfvvV7k/s1600/8573642.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9UMHxRMq7ixtKYRN5R9ykUycIXVxXqR4jwCVwXq8WdRcZ9nIMreVPnt1nPebr0WprqoTjonZfYXj0lKGHppNBdcdqLupmJGdkVeXZmuXRBaaCTQpRvnEvJeDTwVbHYsHvDEw9bH-q094/s1600/10194157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9UMHxRMq7ixtKYRN5R9ykUycIXVxXqR4jwCVwXq8WdRcZ9nIMreVPnt1nPebr0WprqoTjonZfYXj0lKGHppNBdcdqLupmJGdkVeXZmuXRBaaCTQpRvnEvJeDTwVbHYsHvDEw9bH-q094/s1600/10194157.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyw8psNa-AOx8dwIL4PcCAdYqnFEuMtTkilOmokFMNPhLasIEQApqvFm67SdZ_BY3cblvhVNTma_KGd5t_FGxmhvtqzLEojb9uJa_o8DBZ0rE6IM3ksn6AN82p7ShaK8aLfalMR6dsQyg/s1600/11235712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyw8psNa-AOx8dwIL4PcCAdYqnFEuMtTkilOmokFMNPhLasIEQApqvFm67SdZ_BY3cblvhVNTma_KGd5t_FGxmhvtqzLEojb9uJa_o8DBZ0rE6IM3ksn6AN82p7ShaK8aLfalMR6dsQyg/s1600/11235712.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsycBIsN93X3vz1gXnFIqzzjRXTJ3FWLCBreCZpFMEikTdga8M-C0p-wdJsME13Pun4AKXiWoHO8zQZSd_ON_PPilDskt6OpFxkD1dXG2agE6lodXYfvs0Z6mFibr5Zd8-dMZqKwTfNG4/s1600/11408650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsycBIsN93X3vz1gXnFIqzzjRXTJ3FWLCBreCZpFMEikTdga8M-C0p-wdJsME13Pun4AKXiWoHO8zQZSd_ON_PPilDskt6OpFxkD1dXG2agE6lodXYfvs0Z6mFibr5Zd8-dMZqKwTfNG4/s1600/11408650.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-n0C9dN-Sy61G44xfxGtTABRRY6uhW8NDW6EQNnNZjyDWKUqYF-Ehz01dY4cY6S6LCcz4amFdvmnEhlNScJiV_uZl3kEu5y-Tm2qApeNo5HuNTbIfU_OTQ_4umrPFKjCOEZaDKKwYncg/s1600/13330943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-n0C9dN-Sy61G44xfxGtTABRRY6uhW8NDW6EQNnNZjyDWKUqYF-Ehz01dY4cY6S6LCcz4amFdvmnEhlNScJiV_uZl3kEu5y-Tm2qApeNo5HuNTbIfU_OTQ_4umrPFKjCOEZaDKKwYncg/s1600/13330943.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDi3QEGTjWtLUVdHUJN3QgwKjxaMpqzHTRpqVVtqj8CMwAZWv6f2y6HN1cCy4YzpaTq3waUh4zvFzeBA-4ZXexf-17Xx16xsJgDXcbxucnR9fyODi5hb-G_KU4C4PvyihlIIGRmmPlbDs/s1600/13519397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDi3QEGTjWtLUVdHUJN3QgwKjxaMpqzHTRpqVVtqj8CMwAZWv6f2y6HN1cCy4YzpaTq3waUh4zvFzeBA-4ZXexf-17Xx16xsJgDXcbxucnR9fyODi5hb-G_KU4C4PvyihlIIGRmmPlbDs/s1600/13519397.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidER_4id7O2dlGK7AO96xHJ_hC8lXntCeze_NXglWZ2xRn-rTSeObumcztQUR4SQo9h2odxf40h1PwSGS18IgX1PLybgGFlm2QagaYahRsy-kF7NwshaOaD_Dosv-314bgy6pwgzyeMsM/s1600/10352973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidER_4id7O2dlGK7AO96xHJ_hC8lXntCeze_NXglWZ2xRn-rTSeObumcztQUR4SQo9h2odxf40h1PwSGS18IgX1PLybgGFlm2QagaYahRsy-kF7NwshaOaD_Dosv-314bgy6pwgzyeMsM/s1600/10352973.jpg" /> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis0S44oOZ7mMHIyHwt2IzrTTgD8VMAoXnH5StZHUJsFHs-efrUYncJ7zXxi_jL8u8tiSdE8TlPiYNbTylMyW-jJDEPWyKvYkzxUSLbXm-25cUA8Yj9RORAQ154qUCEtNMjx1GOrdw8fn0/s1600/13449693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis0S44oOZ7mMHIyHwt2IzrTTgD8VMAoXnH5StZHUJsFHs-efrUYncJ7zXxi_jL8u8tiSdE8TlPiYNbTylMyW-jJDEPWyKvYkzxUSLbXm-25cUA8Yj9RORAQ154qUCEtNMjx1GOrdw8fn0/s1600/13449693.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4JKOkmWVcPEooAwvtaiC_tf4W4mzH5c_aj1Awp9gAOCbo-R-c7pnacmCiALW3XNuoNtY2_srzFf4xlzvPL74u-OVstc1b8XabeRRlhwsbUKaAYRwqUK9ARL9QBCdkfKdDKL3e6Sknfjg/s1600/9409614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4JKOkmWVcPEooAwvtaiC_tf4W4mzH5c_aj1Awp9gAOCbo-R-c7pnacmCiALW3XNuoNtY2_srzFf4xlzvPL74u-OVstc1b8XabeRRlhwsbUKaAYRwqUK9ARL9QBCdkfKdDKL3e6Sknfjg/s1600/9409614.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8WjAI0t395eXl_6BmY5PXOClEpN9pUi_2jJCowXoI9CiGERqG7NrE4r-i4vBguw_aFXhmzCob4JDSd4UF6pGhCFd2SYoLJkF9oDa03tj5apsGzcpkYUyT0FTC-Zf6AUCIfIQ6S4G8Q0/s1600/9378297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8WjAI0t395eXl_6BmY5PXOClEpN9pUi_2jJCowXoI9CiGERqG7NrE4r-i4vBguw_aFXhmzCob4JDSd4UF6pGhCFd2SYoLJkF9oDa03tj5apsGzcpkYUyT0FTC-Zf6AUCIfIQ6S4G8Q0/s1600/9378297.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
How about you? What are some of your favorite magical books or witches and wizards? Why do you like them?<br />
<br />
*book covers from goodreads*Diane Bohannanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10649770737967864449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5263480954170521817.post-13045679514212310762014-10-06T19:17:00.002-05:002014-10-06T19:17:52.979-05:00Classics and Zombies To celebrate my love for Halloween, or really, all things speculative, during the month of October, I've decided to elaborate on some of the things I adore. I'll open with this:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpkqE6Zh-9ukh2dnDW-7YIRA7rpZXhN2yUdNakm3gw3fjL8t6qGUvQxheLgaj8tVwuI8aAKtFapUix6dI6rfGYMZPGAqoyQST87EUZewAsVHDPkljutDm-zkF0FZxsiArkmXThx-tZQMw/s1600/P&P&zombies_amazon.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpkqE6Zh-9ukh2dnDW-7YIRA7rpZXhN2yUdNakm3gw3fjL8t6qGUvQxheLgaj8tVwuI8aAKtFapUix6dI6rfGYMZPGAqoyQST87EUZewAsVHDPkljutDm-zkF0FZxsiArkmXThx-tZQMw/s1600/P&P&zombies_amazon.jpeg" height="320" width="210" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Book cover from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pride-Prejudice-Zombies-Classic-Ultraviolent/dp/1594743347#" target="_blank">amazon</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I was on an airplane from the U.S. to Germany when I read this and received several weird glances, but I didn't care. If you put two of my favorite things together, I'm going to be proud to show off the creepy, fantastic cover. Now, for the next.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZRu_IQOk35efei14yr47XNqaO4Myi2353EESv_6noxusptAAvlc3td8a22_I2UC_hiGQSSRTZIOYt365MngU0LkIbr76AC9uHGhlypxaUs4ee7cijsR4Qm3roDxyBHcqiGa_he5NeF08/s1600/the-walking-dead-season-5-comic-con-banner-1163x405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZRu_IQOk35efei14yr47XNqaO4Myi2353EESv_6noxusptAAvlc3td8a22_I2UC_hiGQSSRTZIOYt365MngU0LkIbr76AC9uHGhlypxaUs4ee7cijsR4Qm3roDxyBHcqiGa_he5NeF08/s1600/the-walking-dead-season-5-comic-con-banner-1163x405.jpg" height="111" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">picture from <a href="http://blogs.amctv.com/the-walking-dead/2014/07/the-walking-dead-2014-comic-con-banner-revealed/" target="_blank">AMCTV The Walking Dead</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I'm a HUGE fan of AMC's The Walking Dead. Season 5 starts this Sunday, October 12!!! I'm sooooo excited!! There's a marathon all week, so I can get a full dose of zombies and the intriguing people that kill them before the premiere. Thanks, AMC!!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now, because I'm a writer and things must orbit either writing or reading, there's an unconventional book publisher out there that favors the same things I do. <a href="http://www.quirkbooks.com/" target="_blank">Quirk Books</a>. Go check them out and see all the awesomeness happening over there and their new releases. So. Much. Fun.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And just in case you need ideas on great books and movies that are full of zombies, here are a few suggestions*:<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqcuJMPMPjAkTGwGHNcgAETwpBV5vvLms1LZWCzHyA_Zgjh4T58d_S4tYbXSaf2dbgHj5dUo4LHBuouKOFQFvF0C7uwT3X9Z_dd8mOE24hq7o1m8bke-rRraWxqRajtG9PSRvfY5BRkN8/s1600/31pXY-nkUdL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQly91sKKGseI5SdKdjMEh8XnJjw9qXTcoR4-u2zexnu5uGBSV8HYVeEr0f93o88VjhxyBmfMlCmgvP5c9p-l3eSk5KUqzhB06uaYw25HzZ-TwsMIs1-qVo98NrV9Pf6KczBpOSNl4nw/s1600/61XarakA4JL._AA160_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQly91sKKGseI5SdKdjMEh8XnJjw9qXTcoR4-u2zexnu5uGBSV8HYVeEr0f93o88VjhxyBmfMlCmgvP5c9p-l3eSk5KUqzhB06uaYw25HzZ-TwsMIs1-qVo98NrV9Pf6KczBpOSNl4nw/s1600/61XarakA4JL._AA160_.jpg" /></a><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqcuJMPMPjAkTGwGHNcgAETwpBV5vvLms1LZWCzHyA_Zgjh4T58d_S4tYbXSaf2dbgHj5dUo4LHBuouKOFQFvF0C7uwT3X9Z_dd8mOE24hq7o1m8bke-rRraWxqRajtG9PSRvfY5BRkN8/s1600/31pXY-nkUdL.jpg" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHB5BcoAVvCX5ymIAIOaQ09QZAF8lACPuvKrm56SLAm0eBO0H9hyphenhyphen0aP1VaDtt9ErGBIMuRpImCClIRu1LYLzE-y76N3Dduygpmk6mSPs9tW44cxxNRDeD4KE5fG_pBeM4JvOjTY86m0Ug/s1600/51No-XEPQ0L._AA160_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHB5BcoAVvCX5ymIAIOaQ09QZAF8lACPuvKrm56SLAm0eBO0H9hyphenhyphen0aP1VaDtt9ErGBIMuRpImCClIRu1LYLzE-y76N3Dduygpmk6mSPs9tW44cxxNRDeD4KE5fG_pBeM4JvOjTY86m0Ug/s1600/51No-XEPQ0L._AA160_.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKaiI6ZKMbEEGRDnDFUbHFYlh9rqTrtzNCuwVXBwI34JYBikSVkfyhpt3fBLZzWSD0wo0SVROH30NbhrdOWW1LgcKCm6NK5JT4FIM-Lt2QXc1yuhaLhFT3tMtFCbAEr42xsVAVM0WWbj0/s1600/51a8SFU9dML._AA160_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKaiI6ZKMbEEGRDnDFUbHFYlh9rqTrtzNCuwVXBwI34JYBikSVkfyhpt3fBLZzWSD0wo0SVROH30NbhrdOWW1LgcKCm6NK5JT4FIM-Lt2QXc1yuhaLhFT3tMtFCbAEr42xsVAVM0WWbj0/s1600/51a8SFU9dML._AA160_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQFNu6fnobMTqhceIQXan7DChCTJKeiYeRaprKnYKzcc7E08vVx5r9NhFGmjk3Ea3j8tdD_bNXkQOrOQ8Vyi1SAbXHyM6iasNZkHfFhwNJaO-06Zok9EpUHWpffOX6LplsSKgUJsWcA6E/s1600/51vJ9OfEWLL._AA160_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQFNu6fnobMTqhceIQXan7DChCTJKeiYeRaprKnYKzcc7E08vVx5r9NhFGmjk3Ea3j8tdD_bNXkQOrOQ8Vyi1SAbXHyM6iasNZkHfFhwNJaO-06Zok9EpUHWpffOX6LplsSKgUJsWcA6E/s1600/51vJ9OfEWLL._AA160_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pxLsik3KoI6TJKsYTw3DfUBsLWEyhxeM2HCnxBXlSY72bWeOK65GnxPZNtOQYsHPw2J0kEo1Uv9tQFTAnMAyt5E0K3KyxoLT1CyXb67xgU4ROybjrbC0zPoY4PzB97vSsfPu6f36jZM/s1600/51udGXuPu8L._AA160_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pxLsik3KoI6TJKsYTw3DfUBsLWEyhxeM2HCnxBXlSY72bWeOK65GnxPZNtOQYsHPw2J0kEo1Uv9tQFTAnMAyt5E0K3KyxoLT1CyXb67xgU4ROybjrbC0zPoY4PzB97vSsfPu6f36jZM/s1600/51udGXuPu8L._AA160_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQFNu6fnobMTqhceIQXan7DChCTJKeiYeRaprKnYKzcc7E08vVx5r9NhFGmjk3Ea3j8tdD_bNXkQOrOQ8Vyi1SAbXHyM6iasNZkHfFhwNJaO-06Zok9EpUHWpffOX6LplsSKgUJsWcA6E/s1600/51vJ9OfEWLL._AA160_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQFNu6fnobMTqhceIQXan7DChCTJKeiYeRaprKnYKzcc7E08vVx5r9NhFGmjk3Ea3j8tdD_bNXkQOrOQ8Vyi1SAbXHyM6iasNZkHfFhwNJaO-06Zok9EpUHWpffOX6LplsSKgUJsWcA6E/s1600/51vJ9OfEWLL._AA160_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What about you? Do you have a passion for strange books or zombies? Is there a fictional juxtaposition out there that you're dying to write about or read about? I'd love to know. :)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Happy haunting, reading, and creating. No one can be you! So let yourself shine! :)<br />
<br />
*images from Amazon.<br />
<div>
<br />
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
Diane Bohannanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10649770737967864449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5263480954170521817.post-13853780600318571832014-09-02T07:11:00.000-05:002014-09-02T07:11:43.651-05:00Fragile Reign Cover Reveal!! I'm so very, very excited (*happy dance*) to help reveal the cover for <strong><em>FRAGILE REIGN (Mortal Enchantment #2)</em></strong> by <a href="http://staceyoneale.com/" target="_blank" title="Stacey O'Neale">Stacey O'Neale</a>! Check out the cover below, and let's gush all about its awesomeness in the comments! <u>AND</u> <strong>enter the giveaway for a chance to win a $100 Amazon or B&N gift card!</strong>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://jenhalliganpr.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Fragile-Reign.jpg"><img alt="Fragile Reign by Stacey O'Neale" class="aligncenter wp-image-2078" src="http://jenhalliganpr.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Fragile-Reign-682x1024.jpg" height="909" width="606" /> </a></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Details about the cover, from author Stacey O'Neale:</h4>
<blockquote>
<div class="p1">
In case you're curious about the cover, the model represents Marcus. The background represents the woodland court and the caves at the bottom are where the members of the royal family live. I chose caves because the woodland court protects the forests of the world. I didn't think they would choose to cut down trees to make a castle, so the massive caves worked out nicely. If you zoom in, you can see where the doors and windows are cut out. The inside is very lavish. If you read <em>FRAGILE REIGN</em>, you'll learn all about it.</div>
</blockquote>
<div style="background: none 0% 0% repeat scroll #e5e5e5; padding: 5px 8px; text-align: center;">
<strong><em>FRAGILE REIGN (Mortal Enchantment #2)</em> <strong>by Stacey O'Neale | </strong></strong><strong>November 18, 2014</strong></div>
<div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% #e5e5e5; padding: 5px 8px; text-align: left;">
It’s been a week since all hell broke loose…
Rumors of King Taron’s weakened powers have left the air court vulnerable. Kalin is desperate to awaken her akasha powers, except she doesn’t know how. Tension within the court is at an all-time high. Pressure is mounting for her to ascend to the throne, but a halfling has never ruled over any court. To solidify her position, the council has advised her to marry Sebastian—a high ranking air elemental she’s never met and her betrothed.
Will Kalin sacrifice her relationship with Rowan to strengthen her court?
Rowan and Marcus return to a fire court in turmoil. Liana’s death has fueled the fire elementals’ distrust against the air and woodland courts. The unbalanced elements have set off natural disasters all over the mortal world. Rowan takes the throne to restore balance, promising to unite the fire court. But not all elementals are happy with his leadership. Many are secretly loyal to Valac, which means Rowan needs to find allies for his cause.
Can Rowan unify the court of fire before the elements destroy the world?
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><a href="http://amzn.com/B00MQ6MK4U" target="_blank">Pre-Order on Amazon</a> </strong></div>
</div>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21947629-fragile-reign" target="_blank">
<img alt="Add Java Man to your Goodreads TBR!" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-39" src="http://publicity.bookandlatte.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/goodreads-badge-add-plus-d700d4d3e3c0b346066731ac07b7fe47.png" height="41" width="130" /></a>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://jenhalliganpr.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/MESFBCover.v3.jpg"><img alt="MESFBCover.v3" class="wp-image-2058" src="http://jenhalliganpr.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/MESFBCover.v3.jpg" height="266" width="719" /></a></div>
<strong>Be sure to <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21947629-fragile-reign" target="_blank">add FRAGILE REIGN to your TBR on Goodreads</a>, or <a href="http://amzn.com/B00MQ6MK4U" target="_blank">pre-order on Amazon</a>!</strong> The prequel novella, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Prince-Prequel-Mortal-Enchantment-ebook/dp/B00IT1DQX0/ref=la_B00IVS7FHE_1_2_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1405216564&sr=1-2" target="_blank">THE SHADOW PRINCE</a>, is currently free on Amazon, and you can also read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mortal-Enchantment-Stacey-ONeale-ebook/dp/B00K5UCVQQ/ref=la_B00IVS7FHE_1_1_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1405216564&sr=1-1" target="_blank">MORTAL ENCHANTMENT</a> for free if you have Kindle Unlimited.
<br />
<h3>
<strong><a href="http://jenhalliganpr.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Stacey_ONeale.jpg"><img alt="Stacey O'Neale" class="alignleft wp-image-1836" src="http://jenhalliganpr.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Stacey_ONeale-300x200.jpg" height="182" width="273" /></a>About the Author</strong></h3>
<a href="http://staceyoneale.com/">Website</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/StaceyONeale">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/StaceyMONeale">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://pinterest.com/staceyoneale">Pinterest</a>
<br />
<div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% #e5e5e5; padding: 5px 8px; text-align: left;">
<div style="color: #444444;">
Stacey O’Neale lives in Annapolis, Maryland. When she’s not writing, she spends her time fangirling over books, blogging, watching fantasy television shows, cheering for the Baltimore Ravens, and hanging out with her husband and daughter.</div>
<div style="color: #444444;">
Her career in publishing started as a blogger-turned-publicist for two successful small publishers. Stacey writes young adult paranormal romance and adult science fiction romance. Her books always include swoon-worthy heroes, snarky heroines, and lots of kissing.</div>
<div style="color: #444444;">
Stacey loves hearing from readers. Follow her on Twitter @StaceyONeale, look for her on Facebook, Pinterest, and GoodReads. You can also visit her blog at <a href="http://staceyoneale.com/" target="_blank" title="Stacey O'Neale">http://staceyoneale.com/</a>.</div>
</div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
</h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Giveaway</h2>
<center>
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b86d075d153/" id="rc-b86d075d153" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script><center>
</center>
</center>
<img alt="" border="0" class="aligncenter" src="http://jenhalliganpr.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/jhpr_host_badge.png" height="281" title="JenHalliganPR.com" width="330" />
Diane Bohannanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10649770737967864449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5263480954170521817.post-71222852750571907472014-08-25T13:53:00.002-05:002014-08-25T13:53:52.020-05:00WriteOnCon 2014<br />
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpN1iqcLibN_uQytuEB-YGUSRRC9z4pBRvlK2ltUp412tceoRuo2S3WZw32SoE589Sj_tcu12RY6GvC7RGZ7zu3FGgRTpHZ1T4EoRc5wNehpJCv5yTsqzgvGO_VwAf4LwI9zPTQV9cG8I/s1600/WOC_final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpN1iqcLibN_uQytuEB-YGUSRRC9z4pBRvlK2ltUp412tceoRuo2S3WZw32SoE589Sj_tcu12RY6GvC7RGZ7zu3FGgRTpHZ1T4EoRc5wNehpJCv5yTsqzgvGO_VwAf4LwI9zPTQV9cG8I/s1600/WOC_final.jpg" height="112" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Tuesday and Wednesday, August 26-27</b></div>
<br />
<br />
To writers everywhere -- I LOVE WriteOnCon!!!<br />
<br />
It's a super wonderful conference just for children's literature including: picture books, middle grade, young adult, and new adult!<br />
<br />
Here's a quick list of the fabulousness I enjoy:<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I meet new writers!</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>There are critique forums for query letters, 1st 250 words, and 1st 5 pages.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>I found one of my super critique partners there in 2011! She's brilliant. I met her through the critique forums, but if that doesn't work, there's a CP match maker forum too!</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>It's FREE!! YES, FREE! </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>They post the days events online so I don't miss anything! That means, if I have to be out of the house, I can check in at night and still be a part of the awesome.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Archives from 2010+ are also posted. So I can benefit from the coolness of past years! YAY!</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Tons of agents browse the forums and can request my ms!! Double YAY!</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>I can submit my pitch for agents to see! Yes, yes, I can! </li>
</ul>
<br /><br />
Another great thing about WriteOnCon: It's open to everyone! So if you live in Australia, England, Taiwan, or Canada, you can attend!<br />
<br />
Besides all this, amazing authors contribute their advice and share their knowledge. I mean, wow, right?!?<br />
<br />
So come on and join the fun!! Critiques are happening NOW! You can get everything polished up before the agents come perusing.<br />
<br />
Links: <a href="http://writeoncon.com/" target="_blank">WriteOnCon</a>, <a href="http://writeoncon.com/08/21/pitch-event-instructions/" target="_blank">Pitch Event Instructions</a>, <a href="http://writeoncon.com/08/19/announcing-our-ninja-agents-for-2014/" target="_blank">2014 Ninja Agents</a>, <a href="http://writeoncon.com/about/founders/" target="_blank">The AMAZING Organizers</a>, and <a href="http://writeoncon.com/about/faq/" target="_blank">Nifty Facts</a>.<br />
<br />
As always, happy writing!<br />
<br />
And remember, no one else can be you! Don't be afraid to share your awesomeness! :)<br />
<br />Diane Bohannanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10649770737967864449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5263480954170521817.post-20975856253249469132014-08-12T10:00:00.000-05:002014-08-14T13:55:56.803-05:00Fear Can Eat It<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Eat what exactly? I don't know....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Unicorn poo. ;)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-s_Qjs0kPWmHJ1HRwx1t-djjS8vCz7u1hB5tk7m6wPf2fVYAHrXlcjIn-aNm_1Q6mb1WCkI1CnrUXZEvZjq54SuuNqMCkI8Y2-8ztd1s7iOhGSWNe9zcCNgRdLes8M1tLKoXybeWSLoo/s1600/Unicorn-Poop_9756-l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-s_Qjs0kPWmHJ1HRwx1t-djjS8vCz7u1hB5tk7m6wPf2fVYAHrXlcjIn-aNm_1Q6mb1WCkI1CnrUXZEvZjq54SuuNqMCkI8Y2-8ztd1s7iOhGSWNe9zcCNgRdLes8M1tLKoXybeWSLoo/s1600/Unicorn-Poop_9756-l.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Design by Mike Jacobsen via Neato Shop</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For the first time since I've started the journey of writing toward publication, I woke up in a state of panic. It might have been a panic attack. I'm not sure. I've never had one. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What does this feeling tell me? I care too much what others think.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yep. Said it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Does that mean I hate criticism? No! Never! Well, sometimes. I really L.O.V.E. my critique partners. They are AMAZING!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Actual querying is different. People I haven't met, except for stalking them online, will see my work! (At least the first 5, 10, or whatever amount of pages they want with the query.) *wink wink*</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've met some of the agents on my list at conferences, so I'll be devastated if they pass on my book. I know it will happen. I'm prepared for the form rejection letters that are sure to flood my inbox. Publishing is subjective. I don't always like the books I pick up either. I understand!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Point is, I hate being negative. Heck, I hate having anxiety creep into my mostly non-panicky life, and I have three kids. We've been to the ER, had multiple stitches, but I'm not the mom who freaks out at the sight of blood. So it's extra weird that I'm freaking out over emailing people. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I wish I could be starry-eyed and innocent, not thinking about the rejection part. During the time I'm querying, I don't want to wake up with a racing heartbeat for no apparent reason. I like to save breathlessness for good romance novels and kissing scenes. Or those wish-they-would-hurry-up-and-kiss scenes! ^-^</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What can I do?!?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Feed my fear to a unicorn and see said unicorn poop some rainbows! :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5GKw26xJylA-A1R4yiz6hWca-aWNvoOQ9tDR_h5e-e2oFhCiRidBbmdCZ8qGFGv9A9aNvkSV_V7RLi_gDiRRKvhZFnBPEl4WBO1yJoo_0dzNe6LctthzgdF4FnIwzo4gYHGXomm9DLMw/s1600/2070879702_8e6726fdfd_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5GKw26xJylA-A1R4yiz6hWca-aWNvoOQ9tDR_h5e-e2oFhCiRidBbmdCZ8qGFGv9A9aNvkSV_V7RLi_gDiRRKvhZFnBPEl4WBO1yJoo_0dzNe6LctthzgdF4FnIwzo4gYHGXomm9DLMw/s1600/2070879702_8e6726fdfd_z.jpg" height="320" width="241" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">by Ap Lad via Flicker</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How about you? Does sharing your work scare your pants off? How do you deal with the anxiety?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wishing all the writers out there oodles and boodles of luck finding their perfect road to publication!! Crossing my fingers for you! :)</span><br />
<br />Diane Bohannanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10649770737967864449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5263480954170521817.post-68486275279855662352014-06-30T15:48:00.000-05:002014-09-16T13:07:22.253-05:00Giving your time to help others succeed<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTyqp8kuhDM2ZOvqndZ59hm1aBDQGBzQqnQfp3p9N4CPxXXezqlEZix8WJrWH0rk1LU4cZVu4m6y2Y29UqE0AFaEf0Id5gmRAg-P5N32P5QxVEa_QiKyj8WcsDHfgYw69DTv0-uVT-xHA/s1600/2661425133_1328692483_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTyqp8kuhDM2ZOvqndZ59hm1aBDQGBzQqnQfp3p9N4CPxXXezqlEZix8WJrWH0rk1LU4cZVu4m6y2Y29UqE0AFaEf0Id5gmRAg-P5N32P5QxVEa_QiKyj8WcsDHfgYw69DTv0-uVT-xHA/s1600/2661425133_1328692483_z.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: Time by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/alancleaver/2661425133/in/photostream/" target="_blank">Alan Cleaver</a> via Flickr</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Time is one of the most important and precious things you can give.<br />
<br />
This past weekend, my superstar husband gave me an entire day to research agents, polish my query, and give my submission pages one last glance.<br />
<br />
I was so overwhelmed! It was incredibly generous of him (we have three kids, two cats, and a dog!) and worthy of acknowledgement.<br />
<br />
Has someone done something similar for you?<br />
<br />
Many people gave their time to help me hone my work in progress. When I first started sharing my book, more than a few people gave me great suggestions. They took the time to teach me what they knew. I listened. I read the craft books they recommended and I learned. I'm so very thankful to each of them.<br />
<br />
My current critique partners are super awesome! (Amelia, Cheryl, Henry, LaWanda, Marlana, Michelle, and Rina!! *hugs*) Every week, they schedule time to review my submission when they could be revising their own. Their advice is invaluable. My writing is better because they take the time to make thoughtful comments and catch the mistakes my eyes/brain couldn't find.<br />
<br />
In return, I give them my best. When one of us is in a crunch and needs some extra eyes on our work, we help each other out. It's greatness. And it wouldn't be possible if we didn't give our time.<br />
<br />
Are you part of a critique group? How can you share your time to impact someone's writing journey? Have people in your life been generous with their time to help you succeed? Give them a shout out! :)<br />
<br />
<br />Diane Bohannanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10649770737967864449noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5263480954170521817.post-7583519557897882172014-06-27T20:47:00.000-05:002014-10-06T00:28:55.555-05:00That Queasy Feeling<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">My stomach is all uneasy as I'm putting the final touches on my manuscript. It feels like saying good-bye to a really good friend you know you won't see again for awhile. It's silly. I'm not letting my novel go or deleting it. Good-bye isn't happening. But it feels that way! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">I wasn't expecting to have any emotional outpourings during final edits. Yet, here I am getting some strange feels. </span></span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 19px;">I've read where writers say that their novels are like children to them. That unique sense of attachment hasn't presented itself so far, but something like it. I had all sorts of nervous twitterings when I sent my first two kids off to kindergarten. I missed being with them all the time. In a way, sending my manuscript off to agents gives me that same butterflies-in-my-stomach feeling. Except that agents will judge my book worthy of their time or not. Teachers have to take my kids! ;) </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">Here's what I've edited during the last spit and shine.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; line-height: 19px;">1. Repetitive words </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">2. Clunky sentences </span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">3. Punctuation </span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">4. Emotional expressions </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">I wrote about some fast and easy edits <a href="http://revisionwarriors.blogspot.com/2014/05/fast-and-easy-edits.html" target="_blank">here</a> and 6 tips for a cleaner manuscript <a href="http://revisionwarriors.blogspot.com/2014/06/6-tips-for-cleaner-manuscript.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #333333; line-height: 19px;">How about you? How did you feel sending your manuscript out for the first time? Do you have a short list for final edits? </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #333333; line-height: 19px;">Happy reading and writing! :) </span></span>Diane Bohannanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10649770737967864449noreply@blogger.com2