Love is in the Air!

Hello, friends!

I have presents for you today, in the spirit of the holiday :), because I love you all!

First a gift for those of you who are tired of family members and co-workers asking "Are you published yet??" It's a blog post from the lovely INTERN detailing why everything in publishing happens at a snail's pace. Please feel free to email it, or just print it out and hand it around the table at your next family gathering. You're welcome!

Next, a present for the romantics among us. You know who you are, you adorable things, you! (It's okay to come out of the closet... I'm one of you.) Jessica Faust over at Bookends has tributes to romance from romance writers themselves!

For those among us who like our sweets a little bitter, a wonderful, well thought out article on sexism in the writing world by RAMPANT author Diana Peterfreund. At first it will piss you off a little, but if you're anything like me, you'll feel warm fuzzies knowing that awesome writers like Diana are bringing attention to subjects such as these. Rock on, lady authors! And rock on male readers who love them!



Lastly, the yummiest treat of all: THE COVER OF THE NEXT HUNGER GAMES BOOK!!!!




SQUEEEE!!!! OMG!!! SQUEEEEEEEE!!!!!!

I know.

I can't wait, either :).

Also, sorry for deafening you.



Happy Valentine's Day!


*Make sure you've entered my BOOK LOVE CONTEST before Valentine's Day! I'm picking winners of fabulous prizes (including a giftcard, book, critique, bookmarks, coffee, and chocolate--Could it get any better??) on 2/15/10!

Bloomsbury changes cover: MAGIC UNDER GLASS!

In case you haven't heard, Bloomsbury formally apologized for the white lady on the cover of MAGIC UNDER GLASS!!! Yay!

Very classy, Bloomsbury :).

I always expect the worst in situations like this one, especially since Bloomsbury did this before, but they proved once again that they listen to their readers and did the right thing.

Hopefully there isn't a third time... oy. In the meantime, THANK YOU to everyone who got involved and contacted them :). This is proof that we CAN make a difference if we band together! Rock on!

Also, speaking of you guys being awesome, don't forget to spread the Book Love this week, and get your entries in to my Awesome Contest!!

*photo courtesy of http://www.changeisgood.fr/

Awards Season 2010!

OMG, I promised I wouldn't do this, but... *SOBS* thank you so much!!

I received a couple of awards recently, and now it's time to share the love :).

The tempting Tere presented me with the Silver Lining Award!

This award is for folks who find the Silver Lining in every situation, and tradition demands that I pass this on to FIVE fabulous bloggers who do just that.

There are so many awesome, motivating bloggers out there--it was incredibly difficult to narrow it to just five. Here goes!

1) Michelle McLean for always having a kind word and a hilarious cat picture for us!

2) Yunaleska for cheerfully holding awesome contests and reviewing more books than I'll read in a lifetime!

3) Kiersten White for being bubbly and hilarious at all times!

4) Daisy Whitney for being incredibly positive, helpful, and a vlogging guru!

5) Shelli from Market My Words for always being at the top of the marketing game, and taking us along for the ride!

You ladies ROCK, and have made my day a little brighter on a regular basis :). Thank you!

Next, I received the Happy Award from the contemplative Coffeelvnmom!

To fulfill this award, I must now list 10 things that make me happy :). Easy enough!

1) BOOOOOOKS!! Seriously, is there anything better than sitting down with a great book and just reading?

2) Calenders with sleepy kittens!

3) Hot baths. I do my best thinking in hot water!

4) The Biggest Loser--the only reality show where everyone wins :).

5) Tea shops, tea cups, tea sandwiches. TEA!

6) Indian food. It burns so good!

7) Scotch. Mmmm. Peaty!

8) Baby rhinos!

9) Pointy mountains!

10) Blog/writer friends :). I love you guys!

And now, I have to pick 10 people who deserve the Happy Award....

But I can't. You guys all make me happy with your comments, insight, and support. Please, everyone, take the Happy Award, and go share it with others.

What makes you happy? I'd love to know!

Christmas Cheer!

Happy Christmas Eve, Eve, Eve, folks!



I hope you had a great Chanukah, my Jewish friends!



Happy almost Kwanzaa to those who celebrate!


For all you non-religious folk, happy party-going and vacationing from work (wooot!!!!) :). The vacation part is my favorite part, too! (Well, that and the baked goods.)

*I feel like I'm missing some holidays here, so please feel free if you celebrate something else during this season :). I like learning.


In celebration of the holidays fast approaching, I thought I'd forfit a fancy or informative blog post today, and instead provide you with some Christmas/holiday cheer!





"Santa Claus wears a Red Suit, He must be a communist. And a beard and long hair, Must be a pacifist. What's in that pipe that he's smoking?"

--Arlo Guthrie




"Dear Lord, I've been asked, nay commanded, to thank Thee for the Christmas turkey before us... a turkey which was no doubt a lively, intelligent bird... a social being... capable of actual affection... nuzzling its young with almost human- like compassion. Anyway, it's dead and we're gonna eat it. Please give our respects to its family... "

--Berke Breathed




"Santa Claus has the right idea. Visit people once a year."

--Victor Borge



"Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree. In the eyes of children, they are all 30 feet tall."

--Larry Wilde




"I heard the bells on Christmas Day, their old familiar carols play, and wild and sweet the words repeat of peace on earth, good-will to men!"

--Henry Wadsworth Longfellow



I feel very blessed by you all this year, and want to thank you for being a part of this blog :). You guys are all what make it work, and make this a joy to do, every day, every week.


Happy Holidays to all of you!


(Also, "Let's be naughty and save Santa the trip" --Gary Allan) ;)