Write Stuff: March 2012

Friday, March 30, 2012

After Reading: The Clockwork Prince

by Cassandra Claire

In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa's powers for his own dark ends.

With the help of the handsome, self-destructive Will and the fiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister's war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal. He blames them for a long-ago tragedy that shattered his life. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors, from the slums of London to an enchanted ballroom where Tessa discovers that the truth of her parentage is more sinister than she had imagined. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magister himself knows their every move and that one of their own has betrayed them.

Tessa finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, though her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will; the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers about who she is and what she was born to do?

As their dangerous search for the Magister and the truth leads the friends into peril, Tessa learns that when love and lies are mixed, they can corrupt even the purest heart.

I flat-out love this series!! I really loved the modern-day books as well (I still have to read The City of Fallen Angels, but will get to that when I get home), but the Victorian Era does have a certain appeal :) As always, though, it takes me a chapter or two to really sink into these stories. It's not that I don't enjoy the openings, but I always seem to need an extra bit of time to fall into them. Then I stay up very late reading them. Ahh, and there was lots of good kissing scenes in this book. Lots and lots. And Claire knows how to write kissings scenes... Okay, yeah. I found myself actually studying them to amp up the tension in my own WIP (and was glad hubby didn't find me doing that--he'd really of thought I'd gone around the bend). At any rate, these are a must-read in the YA category, imho!

Have you read any of Claire's work? Did you enjoy it?

Tuesday Crazies

By: Meradeth Houston on 3:13 PM

So after the random events surrounding the apartment we rented here in Barcelona for the next month, and the fallout of it not working out, we decided that this was just the sign we needed that the next leg of our journey was in order. What does that mean? Well, it means we're off to Japan!! It was a stroke of luck that we found tickets that hadn't risen in price, and we're heading out tomorrow. It's been really hard saying goodbye to all the good friends we've made in this city. Today was filled with all kinds of goodbyes to our favorite haunts and friends (and I hate goodbyes!). But, we are on to another adventure!

Our massively long flight starting tomorrow afternoon will complete our circumnavigation of the globe. We're going through some city in the Middle East that's in a country I've never heard of before. That will be interesting :) Then, we'll land here:

Osaka Japan!

I looked at the map of the city today and I can't even read any of it. Eeep!

Can you tell that we're kind of seat-of-your-pants kind of people? Well, okay, hubby is. I'm along for the ride!

A special thanks to Elise Fallson for the Sunshine Award. So sweet! I'll try to answer the questions next week when I have a little more sanity :)

If you don't hear from me for a few days, now you know why....

Sunday is for Stories

By: Meradeth Houston on 3:31 PM

This week has been a little nuts, so I'm not going to post my normal shots from our adventures. Actually, there really weren't "adventures" in my normal sense, unless you count renting an apartment from a friend's father (who were thought was "helping us out") and then discovering the place had no water in (which, let's be honest, isn't so fun), on top of having family visit (which was a blast). Add to that lugging two heavy suitcases across the city twice, and a few other random fun things like that, and well, my week's been rather awkward. Things like that happen while traveling, ya know? I'm doing my best to roll with it, though, really, I'm not a roll with it kind of person (*ahem*Type-A*ahem*).

Okay, enough of my belly-aching (hah, thank you to my grandfather for that fun phrase), I'm going to just share one random shot I've snapped during my trip. Your job? Tell me what this person's thinking. Just for fun :)

I really like this shot :) Tell me what's on her mind!

Lucky 7 Tag

By: Meradeth Houston on 2:38 AM

Jennifer Fischetto tagged me a couple of days ago on the Lucky 7 Meme that's been making its way around the web. I've loved reading little snippets from everyone's WIP's, so I thought I'd share a little from mine too :)

The Rules:
1. Go to page 77 of your current MS/WIP
2. Go to line 7
3. Copy down the next 7 lines - sentences or paragraphs - and post them as they're written. No cheating
4. Tag 7 authors
5. Let them know

Turning, it took my mind too long to process what was going on. When it did, I wished I had taken off running rather than see who was coming toward me.

“Marcus.” His name felt dirty as I said it. Behind him was another man, tall with dark hair. I knew who he was by sight alone: one of the top guys at the Island, where the Sary leadership lived and worked.

There was only one reason they’d be here.

Oh, wow, that is massively rough. Haha! Clearly I'm currently trying to clean up another Sary story--a companion to Colors Like Memories. The goal is to have something slightly more workable in a few weeks.

As for tagging other people, crud, I always hate doing that. Anyone want to be tagged?? :)

The "delete all" moment

By: Meradeth Houston on 2:29 AM

I've mentioned this here and there on my blog before, but I thought today would be a good day to have a discussion about it. And by it, I mean that moment when you give up writing. Wait, you haven't had that moment? You're lucky :) Because there have been times when I've been so frustrated with my writing, and with trying to get published, that I've said "This Isn't Worth It." And at those times, I've been done with writing. Found other things to do. And I'm here to say that, sometimes, that's okay.

The one time that I really went whole-hog on stopping writing was after a particularly frustrating rejection. No, I won't say which one (but I will say that I'm an advocate that people should be nice, being nasty or snarky has no place in my heart). At any rate, I really was ticked. And sad. And may have cried a little. At that point, I had to take a long hard look at what I was doing and whether or not it was worth my time. Sure, I loved writing. But I was also very busy with my degree, with my family, with the rest of my full life. My decision was that I didn't need this extra pressure I was putting on myself to write. I could do without it and be Just Fine.

So, I trashed it all. Oh, you read that right. I took all my writing files and dropped them in the recycle bin and emptied it. All. Of. It. Was. Gone. Years worth of drafts, re-writes, comments, everything I could find on my computer, I got rid of.

I found other things to do. Amazingly, a dissertation takes up a lot of time :) And for a few months, I was fine. I read, I watched TV, I found other ways to feed my creative need. And then, while hunting through a forgotten external back-up drive (I have like three, because you only ever lose all your computer files once before you get supremely anal about it), I came across a copy of my writing files. I'd missed one. Being in a better frame of mind, I didn't delete this one, but moved it into my documents under the title "Crappy Waste of Time" (my writing file still carries this name).

Anyhow, clearly I got over myself. It took me a good while to realize just how much I missed writing. Because that's what finally got my documents resurrected from The Crappy Waste of Time. I've been writing since I was 11, and giving it up made it feel like something was missing. So, without thinking about ever sending another query, without caring what came of it, I went back to writing. (Can I just say that having some time to just sit and live in your own little world is completely wonderful? Nothing beats it!) Clearly, things have gone a little better since then. I have a book coming out. I have two others I'm in the middle of editing. That's not to say that there aren't times when I need a break, but I've yet to delete everything again :)

So, what am I trying to get at in this really long post? Well, that sometimes it's OKAY to need to give it up. Maybe the time isn't right. Or you're just not quite ready. Maybe you need to focus on something else right then. I'm not saying that doing what I did was the right thing, but I really think that at that point, I needed the space and time to remember just what I'm in this game for.

If you reach that point where it hurts more than it helps, it's okay to take a break. To find something else to make you happy. If you love it, it'll be there waiting for you when you're ready to come back to it. Take your files and place them somewhere where they don't nag you every time you're on your computer. Give yourself some breathing room, and don't beat yourself up about it (good grief, women are the worst about this, I think--I know I am...). When you are able to sit back down and remember what got you writing in the first place, the characters that made you laugh (possibly in public, leading to all kinds of strange looks), or the stories that just won't leave you alone, then that's awesome.

Okay, off my soapbox!

Have you ever experience the "delete it all" moment? Or the "what the heck am I doing this for?" moment? What inspired it? What got you through? Did it kill you or make you stronger? :)

Sunday is for Photos x8

By: Meradeth Houston on 3:30 AM

Just a few photos from this last week. Lots of fun times were had!

We took the train to Blanes (on the Costa Brava) one day, then hiked into this cove, which was spectacular. Awesome beach, and these amazing houses build up above it!

Ruins on the way to the beach.

Awww, we're cute :) This is in Sitches, which we went to with some wonderful friends of ours last Sunday! Isn't the light perfection?

All of us walking on the beach in Sitches!

"You are my personal victim and I'm your personal vampire" Which was just random enough for me to take a photo of is. I'm guessing Twilight is just as popular here?

Nighttime shot of the awesome building art!

I hope everyone has a wonderful week!!

Got Green bloghop!

By: Meradeth Houston on 4:08 AM

So, I may not be Irish (at least that I know of!) but I could use a little luck 'o the Irish, so I thought I'd jump in Mark Koopman's Bog Hop. Want to join in? Click over here!

My favorite memories from Saint Patrick's Day come from when I was a kid. I must admit, as an adult, the only thing I really do is make sure I'm wearing green :) (Yeah, I know this is kinda pathetic, but what can ya do?) But as a kid, my mom was big into making the day fun for us all. Everything was dyed green. The milk. Our eggs, or whatever was for breakfast. She'd paint little green footprints over the windows. Even our fishtank went completely green (and no, not with algae) one year. She was really, really good at making it fun for us kids, making us think that there really were little leprechauns hanging around our house.

Kind of makes me miss being a kid, just thinking about it!

The other best thing about St. Patrick's Day? Corned beef and potatoes. None of us like cabbage. Ahhh. SO good! I love that is smells so tasty and fills the house with that awesome aroma. This is something I've tried to continue with my husband, but somehow I don't think I'll be finding any corned beef in Spain this year. Sad.

Okay, so what do you do for the green day? Anything fun? Is it a big deal for your family?

After Reading: Hallowed

By: Meradeth Houston on 3:16 AM

by Cynthia Hand

For months Clara Gardner trained to face the fire from her visions, but she wasn't prepared for the choice she had to make that day. And in the aftermath, she discovered that nothing about being part angel is as straightforward as she thought.

Now, torn between her love for Tucker and her complicated feelings about the roles she and Christian seem destined to play in a world that is both dangerous and beautiful, Clara struggles with a shocking revelation: Someone she loves will die in a matter of months. With her future uncertain, the only thing Clara knows for sure is that the fire was just the beginning.

As the second book in the Unearthly series (Unearthly reviewed here), I was a liiiitle wary to read this. Second books have been disastrous before, and although I've been proven wrong on many other occasions, I always worry a little. Especially with a book I enjoyed as much as Unearthly :) Anyhow, it was a stupid concern because this book pulled me in and didn't let go. And although I don't go searching for books that make me sob like a small child, when it happens, it's a good sign. (Okay, I'll admit that I'd rather laugh in a book, but whatever, that's cool). Anyhow, yeah, I bawled in this one. And I loved it. And I still think Tucker is awesome--even more so in this book. Don't get me wrong, I like Christian quite a bit, even more so in this book than the last, but Tucker is just so yummy. Like, wholesome yummy (why I'm thinking freshly baked wheat bread with butter and jam is beyond me, but it actually kind of fits. Or I'm just hungry). Anyhow, now I'm going to have to wait for-EH-ver for the next book. Which is sad. But worth it.

On a random other note, I re-read Unearthly right before starting Hallowed. I LOVE re-reading and do so all the time. My husband thinks I'm totally nuts for doing this (I mean, I already know what's going to happen!) but that doesn't matter. I like the story for the story, and the characters, and the world. Not for the ending. My question is, do you re-read?

Cover Love Winners!

By: Meradeth Houston on 4:29 PM

Thanks so much to everyone who helped me spread the word about Colors Like Memory's cover! I really, really appreciate it! I will be having a bunch more giveaways and other fun stuff going on as my release gets closer, too. (Eep, my release is in, like a month and a half! Wow do I have a lot to do! I may be begging for guest posts and other fun things soon, if anyone feels so inclined!)

Okay, enough of me freaking out here :)

The winner of the book of their choice from Amazon is:

Jennifer Fischetto

I also promised an ebook ARC (an eARC? That sounds strange...) to another winner, so the wonders of Random.org have revealed this will go to:

Sophia Chang

Thanks again to all who entered! Winners, send me an email and I'll get you hooked up!

After Reading: Oppression and an Author Interview

By: Meradeth Houston on 4:57 AM

By Jessica Therrien

Oppression

(Children of the Gods #1)

There are others like her.
Many of them.

And they have been waiting for her

...for a long time.

Elyse knows what it means to keep a secret. She's been keeping secrets her whole life. Two, actually. First, that she ages five times slower than the average person, so that while she looks eighteen years old, she's closer to eighty. Second, that her blood has a mysterious power to heal. For Elyse, these things don't make her special. They make life dangerous. After the death of her parents, she's been careful to keep her secret as closely guarded as possible. Now, only one other person in the world knows about her age and ability. Or so she thinks. Elyse is not the only one keeping secrets. There are others like her all over the world, descendants of the very people the Greeks considered gods. She is one of them, and they have been waiting for her for a long time. Among so many of her kind, she should not be very remarkable--except for the prophecy. Some believe she will put an end to traditions, safeguarded by violence, which have oppressed her people for centuries. Others are determined to keep her from doing just that. But for Elyse, the game is just beginning--and she's not entirely willing to play by their rules.

Oh wow, I'm having a hard time finding where to start gushing about this one! I adore Greek Mythology, and coupled with an awesome romance and a unique and intriguing world, well, I was up VERY late reading this one! Waiting for the next book will be torture. The book itself was a little like X-men meet the Percy Jackson series--in the best way possible. Oh, and with a very hot and swoon-worthy William. I loved that Elyse is a strong character with a mind of her own, willing to do whatever it takes to do the right thing, no matter the cost. Definitely pick this one up as soon as you can!

Also, if you happened to like Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini, which was one of my favorite reads of last year, then you'll love Oppression!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And because I'm lucky, I've got the author here to answer some questions! Yay, right?

(Q) Thanks for stopping by my blog! Let’s start with the basics: where are you from? Is there any place online you’d like to direct us to learn more about you? (A blog, facebook, etc.?)

I grew up on a ranch in the small town of Chilcoot, California (population 108). This town is mentioned in my book, and yes, it actually exists.

You can find me on my blog, Facebook, GooglePlus, Twitter, and GoodReads. Hope to see you around!

(Q) What is most important to you as a writer, plot or characters?

Characters. In my opinion, great characters make a great book. It doesn’t matter how exciting the plot is if I don’t care about the people I’m reading about. I tried to make my characters as real as possible. I hope you all connect with them as much as I do.

(Q) Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? If so, what do you do about it?

I do suffer from writer’s block quite a bit actually. If I’m not feeling the writing, I don’t force it. I walk away. I let it sit for a few days or weeks, whatever it takes, until I can come back with a fresh mind. Good books also help get me going if I’m in a lull. I always feel inspired when I read a great book.

(Q) What do you do for fun other than writing?

I have little time to do anything these days but read and write, but if I did have time to do whatever I wanted, you’d think I was more of an old lady than a 26-year-old. I love to sew, scrapbook, make jewelry, and play guitar. Pretty old-ladyish I know, but hey, I grew up on a ranch in a town with 108 people in it. I had to get creative.

(Q) If you could describe your ideal writing spot, where would it be? What music would you listen to (if at all)? What treats would you have on hand?

I like to think that my ideal writing spot would be somewhere cool, like Hawaii, but in reality I wouldn’t get anything done there. I think I’d like to have my own office somewhere outside of my home. That way I’d 1) be forced to get out of my pajamas, and 2) feel like I’m in a place where work must be done.

As far as music, I like the slow girly kind for the mushy love parts. When I’m writing action, I can’t listen to music. It’s too distracting.

Treats – A ton of fruit and dark chocolate. Oh…and coffee. Unlimited amounts of coffee.

(Q) Plotter or pantser? Both? Neither?

I start off a plotter and slowly morph into a pantser. I have good intensions. I want to be organized and structured as I write, but my creative brain doesn’t work like that. It doesn’t like to listen to me.

(Q) Do you have any new projects that you are working on? Care to share?

Book two is in the works. It’s almost done, actually. I’d love to give you all the juicy details, but I’ve got to leave you wanting more, you know? It will be released through ZOVA Books sometime next year.

(Q) What kinds of marketing do you think are the most successful in terms of getting your name/book out there? (Curious minds are taking notes!)

Well, blogging has really worked for me. Rachael Harrie’s Platform-Building Campaign helped me meet a lot of writers and bloggers. GoodReads is a great place to find readers. I was amazed at the reaction my book got after being posted on GoodReads. Conferences are a perfect way to network as well.

(Q) How about an excerpt to tantalize the readers?

“When I finally pulled myself together and gained full control of my body, I made my way to the bathroom. I couldn’t let William see me like this. Both Ryder’s blood and my own were smeared all over the right side of my face, and in the dim florescent light, it looked like the scene of a horror movie. I turned on the cold water and rinsed my skin clean, avoiding looking myself in the eye. I knew it would only make me cry. Be stronger, I told myself. Don’t let him win. Don’t let him tear you down.”

(Q) If you'd like to add anything, please do so.

Stop by my blog to enter to win a signed copy of Oppression.

Thanks so much for a great interview, and thanks to everyone who stopped by for the blog tour!

Thanks so much for stopping by, Jessica, and hope my readers go and check out OPPRESSION!

After Reading: The Priest and The Peaches

By: Meradeth Houston on 6:00 AM

by Larry Peterson

The Priest and the Peaches Book Summary

Historical fiction novel set in the Bronx in the mid-1960s

Take a seven day journey with the five, newly orphaned Peach kids, as they begin their struggle to remain a family while planning their dad's funeral.

They find an ally in the local parish priest, Father Tim Sullivan, who tries his best to guide them through the strange, unchartered and turbulent waters of "grown-up world." A story that is sad, funny, and inspiring as it shows how the power of family love and faith can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

I was delighted to be asked by Tribute Books to review The Priest and The Peaches! I'm all for sweet books that are uplifting and heartwarming. TP&TP was exactly this. A sweet story that left me feeling good! I think it would appeal a little more to an MG crowd, but overall, it was a sweet and quick read that was a nice change of pace from my normal reading fare. As I'm not Catholic, it was interesting to see some of their beliefs explored, and how they apply them to their everyday lives. I am all for Loving Your Neighbor, and I loved how this fit into the story! Overall, if you're looking for something sweet and soothing to read, this one's for you!

Because I'm taking part in the blog tour for The Priest and The Peaches, I've got a little more info about the author and other fun stuff:

Larry Peterson was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. A former Metal Lather/Reinforcing Iron-worker, he left that business after coming down with MS. He, his wife and three kids moved to Florida 30 years ago. Larry began doing freelance newspaper commentary after graduating from Tampa College in 1984.

His first children's picture book, Slippery Willie's Stupid, Ugly Shoes was published in 2011. In 2012, his full length novel, The Priest and the Peaches was released and he is presently working on the sequel.

He also has a blog (http://www.ThePriestandthePeaches.com) where he posts weekly commentary. He lives in Pinellas Park, Florida and his kids and six grandchildren all live within three miles of each other.

Larry Peterson's Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/larrytpbx

Larry Peterson's Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/slipperywillie
Tribute Books website:
http://www.tribute-books.com

Tribute Books Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Archbald-PA/Tribute-Books/171628704176

Tribute Books Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/TributeBooks

And, hey, don't forget I've got a contest going on here, too! Stop by to enter!

Sunday is for Photos x7

By: Meradeth Houston on 5:22 AM

Wow, I can't believe we've been here for this long! It's been great :) Anyhow, a few more fun photos for those so inclined to enjoy: (And, hey, don't forget, contest going on here--you know you want a book of your choice!)

Some more epic graffiti. This one made me think of Daughter of Smoke & Bone. Can't imagine why... :)

This was a totally spontaneous shot. I had the zoom lens on for some ocean shots, then boom, these two walked by. couldn't help myself!

Reason for the zoom lens. He totally was catching air!

I spent some time at the nearby University, taking pics. Seriously, this place is so pretty. Nothing at home compares.

Taking pictures in the library isn't allowed. But, I snapped a few shots with my friend Luiza, because it's really pretty cool. You should see the other wall in this room--covered in ancient books!

Prof. McGonogal. (With one eye!)

University pretty-ness.

Can't you just see the Hogwarts tables in here??

Oldest synagogue in Europe. Well, that's what they say. Another person said it is bogus. Whatever, it was still neat.

If you happen to visit Barcelona, you must check out the History of Barcelona museum. There are awesome Roman ruins below the place. Ahh, my archaeologist side was in heaven!

On top of the ruins is a Castle. Because, ya know, why not?

Fountain all lit up at night.

Okay, too many pics, as usual. But, it's a cool place. Hope you enjoy!

Friday Five

By: Meradeth Houston on 6:01 AM

A big shout out to my new followers! And my other followers, too (I almost wrote "older" followers, but that doesn't sound right). Anyhow, don't forget, if you haven't had a chance to check out my Cover Love Contest, take a moment to enter (one entry just for being a follower, easy peasy!).

I'm currently working on another book set in the same world as Colors Like Memories. yesterday I totally scrapped the entire ending and will have to re-write the whole thing. UGH. Thanks to everyone who tweeted some love my way yesterday. Trust me, I needed it!
I've been in editing mode so long now that drafting mode feels very, very strange. Anyone else get this way? I need to get back into my character's heads. Not so easy when I wrote the first draft of this like 2 years ago. I'm going to be doing some free writing with them and hopefully work on it this weekend.
Our time in Spain is running out. So sad! We're trying to make lists of the things we've still got to do, and despite doing TONS since we got here, there's still a lot left to see in this city. (Now if only the price to get into some places were cheaper...)
I took some awesome romantic pics (well, one in particular) that I can't wait to share on Sunday :)
Today we're going to go take photos in the really old University close by. It reminds me of Hogwarts. I will try not to embarrass hubby, but I may have to pretend to use a wand a few times...

Hope everyone has an awesome weekend!

After Reading: Vesper

By: Meradeth Houston on 6:00 AM

by Jeff Sampson

Emily Webb is a geek. And she’s happy that way. Content hiding under hoodies and curling up to watch old horror flicks, she’s never been the kind of girl who sneaks out for midnight parties. And she’s definitely not the kind of girl who starts fights or flirts with other girls’ boyfriends. Until one night Emily finds herself doing exactly that . . . the same night one of her classmates—also named Emily—is found mysteriously murdered.

The thing is, Emily doesn’t know why she’s doing any of this. By day, she’s the same old boring Emily, but by night, she turns into a thrill seeker. With every nightfall, Emily gets wilder until it’s no longer just her personality that changes. Her body can do things it never could before: Emily is now strong, fast, and utterly fearless. And soon Emily realizes that she’s not just coming out of her shell . . . there’s something much bigger going on. Is she bewitched by the soul of the other, murdered Emily? Or is Emily Webb becoming something else entirely—something not human?

This was a fun, quick read. It didn't blow me away or anything, but it was interesting, and quirky, and enjoyable. Emily had me chuckling more than once, and I enjoyed the TV and movie references. I will probably see if I can get my hands on the next books, mainly because the transcript portions of the book were really intriguing and I'd like to learn more about what was going on there. Also, is is just me, or does the cover on this book really not seem linked to a werewolf book? It kind of makes me scratch my head... Or maybe I'm just on a cover-kick!

Don't forget to check out my contest!! It's easy to enter for a chance to win a book of your choice.

Colors Like Memories COVER!! And a GIVEAWAY!

By: Meradeth Houston on 1:55 AM

I can't even tell you how excited I am to share the cover for my forthcoming book from MuseItUp! My cover artists, CK Volnek, was wonderful is putting together something from my incredibly confusing suggestions :) Anyhow, isn't it lovely? I can't stop looking at it!

Anyhow, here's the blurb, as posted on Goodreads (oh, yeah, I'm on Goodreads. Go add me to your To-Read list, pretty please. Or like me on Facebook, should you feel so inclined :)

Julia has a secret: she killed the guy she loved. It was an accident—sort of.

Julia is a Sary, the soul of a child who died before taking her first breath. Without this 'breath of life' she and others like her must help those on the verge of suicide. It's a job Julia enjoyed, until the accident that claimed her boyfriend’s life—an accident she knows was her fault. If living with the guilt weren't enough, she's now assigned to help a girl dealing with the loss of her mother, something Julia is not exactly the best role model for. If she can't figure out a way to help her, Julia will lose her position in the Sary, something she swore to her boyfriend would never happen.

COLORS LIKE MEMORIES will be available in May!

Okay, because I'm stoked about my cover, I'd really love it if people would help me spread the love around :) So, I'm holding a little contest, and I think you'll like the prize. Because, who doesn't want a book of their choice? Yeah, one winner will receive a book of their choice from Amazon (let's keep this in the $10 range, okay? I'm not going to buy a hundred dollar textbook, sorry! Also, US shipping only, because international shipping is expensive, yo! International entries are welcome, though, and are up for winning a copy of CLM!). Sound good?

How do you enter? It's simple! Find a means of posting my cover on the interwebs, with a link to either my website (www.MeradethHouston.com) or blog (meradethhouston.blogspot.com). The blurb above would also be nice :) This can be via your blog, on twitter, facebook, or something else you can come up with. This contest is open until March 14th, so hopefully that gives people a chance to copy & paste the cover around the blogosphere. (Oh, and please, follow the blog somehow--it makes it so so so much easier to find you if you win, and so I can follow you back!)

Second Campaign Challenge

By: Meradeth Houston on 1:47 AM

Once again, there is an awesome challenge going on over at Rach Writes for her Fourth Campaign. Lots of fun to be had! I decided to take part, using each of the five prompts, to create a little flash fiction :)

Prompt 1: Two people are sitting together under the remains of a concrete bridge. Their backs are against a rusted bridge support. One person’s leg is cut. The other person has wet hair.

(Source) Prompt 2

(Source) Prompt 3

(Source) Prompt 4

(Source) Prompt 5

One of the options was to: Write a story/poem in five sentences, each sentence based on one of the prompts, so here goes nothing!

The bridge offered little protection from the elements, and already the Little One's hair was drenched; I'd cut my leg clambering past the metal bones of the bridge, attempting to reach the shelter of the overhang. As the water grew and swirled in the gulch below, trash accumulated in the swirling river and a lone white ball bobbed by, making Little One squirm to chase it. I held him tight, not trusting the water, the dangers that might lurk in the piles of refuse. Instead, I made shapes in the rain, drawing the drops into toys, fruit we only remembered the taste of, things long forgotten to me, but probably never known to Little One--the distraction was enough for me to ignore the throb from my cut, the groan of the bridge in the softening earth. At least he was laughing when the overhang gave way, showering us with concrete and cold rain, bright lights blooming behind my eyes.

Okay, that's under 200 words, and I definitely don't write dystopian :)

Please do stop by later today for my cover reveal for my book Colors Like Memories (due out in May), and an awesome contest for a book of your choice!!

Sunday is for Photos! x5

By: Meradeth Houston on 1:34 PM

This has been a busy week, full of Spanish language meetings, outings with friends, and today, lots of museums. The highlight of this week's activities was sucking up the entry fee (wow, was it expensive!) and going into La Sagrada Familia. It was soooo worth it! Lots of pics from inside this famous Catholic Basilica, designed by Gaudi, and still under construction. (Projected completion date is in 2030!)

Being from UC Davis (remember the pepper spraying incident from last year?), I was totally blown away by the organized protests around the city for the education cuts that occurred this past week. They were crazy! And very cool. Had to share a shot!

Calcots are a traditional springtime food here, and they are roasted over an open flame. Tasty!

La Sagrada Familia from the outside.

Part of the facade from the outside. There are a million figures and they are epic.

The top of the facade.

I want these doors. They are made of words. LOVE.

Cool shot, right?

It was really hard to catch just how awesome this place is from the inside, but this gets you an idea.

Stained glass FTW!

Part of the ceiling. Neat, right?

So, why I thought "Hey, let's take the lift up in one of the towers!" was a good idea is beyond me. I do NOT do heights. And tiny little dark twisting staircases. Note the white knuckles here and stupid grin as I tried not to curl into the fetal position and die.