Write Stuff: October 2014

Friday, October 31, 2014

Release Day for AN ABSENCE OF LIGHT party and giveaway!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!! I hope you all have some fun plans tonight: either a party, some dressing up, passing out candy to all the cute (and hopefully polite ;) little ones, or maybe just a good book that'll get your heart pumping! Something like, well, my latest release: An Absence of Light. I've always described this book as Buffy meets the X-Files, and I really hope that you get a chance to check it out!

Leah’s always seen the shadow creatures. She thought she was immune to their evil—until now.

She’s walked into a massacre, stolen a BMW, and is running from the law for a crime she didn’t commit. Nineteen-year-old Leah’s life just went from mildly abnormal to totally crazy at lightning speed. But no one will believe that the shadow creatures are framing her for the murder, because she’s the only one that can see them. At least that’s what she thought.

When Leah stumbled across a group who share her ability, she discovers they have something she doesn’t: a way to fight back. When the group offers to teach her how to kill the shadow creatures, Leah jumps at the chance. But something is brewing with the creatures. They’re tracking down the hunters like there’s no tomorrow. Leah suspects that maybe there won’t be, and it’s up to her to make sure tomorrow comes. Because she’ll do anything to stop the shadows, including risking her life—and the life of the one she loves—to keep the world from being lost to darkness forever.

Check it out on Amazon: Barnes and Noble: Evernight Teen: Goodreads.

Did you ever watch either Buffy the Vampire Slayer, or The X-Files? Any favorite episodes? :)

Check out any of these books here!

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Extra special love and extra-large Halloween candies to those who have helped me spread the word today!!

TOMORROW!!

By: Meradeth Houston on 3:00 AM

It's coming! Tomorrow!! Pre-Order it here and be able to read at midnight!

Are you ready for this? :) (Yeah, I'm not so sure I am. Seriously. Book releases are a TON of work!)

Oh, and it's the last day to enter this:
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THE OUTLANDER by Erin Rhew Blog Tour

By: Meradeth Houston on 4:00 AM

Oh my goodness people, it's just THREE days until An Absence of Light comes out! To tide you all over, I've got Erin Rhew's awesome novel, The Outlanders, here today ;) You really need to check this novel out!

With King Jesper dead and Prince Wilhelm mortally wounded, Halfling prince, Nash, and the Fulfilment, Layla, assume the throne of Etherea. They must contend with a new Prophecy Candidate who asserts her position, and Layla is surprised to find her fate intertwined with this challenger. Facing a myriad of choices, Nash and Layla’s decisions affect not only their own futures but that of two kingdoms.

Unbeknownst to the Ethereals or the Vanguards, a slumbering menace stirs in the south, awakened after centuries of slumber. The mysterious Outlanders, a force shadowed in mystery, sit poised to tip the balance of power, sending ripples of fear throughout both warring kingdoms.

Elder Werrick proved a formidable foe, but Layla may yet meet her match in the monstrous Outlander queen. This mistress of the dark’s plans, rooted in revenge and ancient lore, now threaten the livelihood of all three kingdoms.

Racing against time, Layla travels to the Borderlands—home of the Voltons and Ecclesiastics—to discover as much as she can about the war, the First Ones, and the prophecy itself. Lives teeter in the balance, kingdoms sit on the cusp of ruin, and a beast, greater than any she’s ever faced before, plots a catastrophic attack.

Excerpt:

Everything about Mia felt wrong. The girl, who looked so much like Layla, just happened to be where Samson could find her and came with him to the home of her enemy without any resistance? Whole generations of Ecclesiastics searched for entire lifetimes and never found the Fulfillment, yet Samson encountered two potentials in short succession. She couldn’t pinpoint the reason for her unease, but something tickled the back of her mind, inching toward the surface with painstaking sluggishness.

“I don’t understand why she would just come with you to Etherea.” Layla struggled to keep her voice level and calm to avoid raising Samson’s hackles.

“She didn’t have anywhere else to go. Vance killed her family in Vanguard.”

Layla made a mental note to confirm Samson’s version of the story with the information Nash managed to extract from Mia. “If she’s a Vanguard, why would she come with you to Etherea?”

“You came here,” Samson shot back, his inexplicable protectiveness for the mystery girl heightening her concern.

She treaded with care. “Well, some insane man in a black and purple robe stole my brother, so I didn’t really have a choice.”

About the Author:

Erin Rhew is an editor, a running coach, and the author of The Fulfillment Series. Since she picked up Morris the Moose Goes to School at age four, she has been infatuated with the written word. She went on to work as a grammar and writing tutor in college and is still teased by her family and friends for being a member of the "Grammar Police." A Southern girl by blood and birth, Erin now lives in a rainy pocket of Pacific Northwest with the amazingly talented (and totally handsome) writer, Deek Rhew, and their “overly fluffy,” patient-as-a-saint writing assistant, a tabby cat named Trinity. She and Deek enjoy reading aloud to one another, running, lifting, boxing, eating chocolate, and writing side-by-side.

Find me online:

Twitter: @ErinRhewBooks

Facebook: Website: Goodreads: Buy The Prophecy: Buy The Outlanders

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Who would you want with you during the zombie apocalypse? Guest post with R.M. Schieffelbein!

By: Meradeth Houston on 3:00 AM

It's always a treat to have friends of the blog around to have a little fun! And today I have the awesome Rachel Schieffelbein here to talk about the most important question of October: who would you want with you during the zombie apocalypse? Really, we are curious and must know! Be sure to let us know in the comments :)

First off, thank you so much, Meradeth, for having me on your blog today! I still remember winning a first chapter critique from you, (probably two or three years ago!) when I first started blogging and being so excited! You were, of course, very helpful. J

It’s hard to believe that first chapter (and the rest of the book) is finally out in the world! FLESH EATING ZOMBIES AND EVIL EX-GIRLFRIENDS was a project I did with my husband, who is the ultimate zombie guy.

The book is set at a high school where a group of teens (some friends and some far from friends) are stuck together while zombies try to claw their way in. Which is what led Meradeth to ask me, if I was stuck in a high school during the zombie apocalypse, who would I want with me and why?

#1 is, of course, my husband, Luke. As stated above, he is the ultimate zombie guy. He already has plans in place for any zombie scenario. No I’m not kidding. When he’s bored he thinks about the location he’s in and what would be the best way to fortify it against invading flesh eaters.

#2 would be my step-dad, Scott, because he’s handy. Between him and Luke they could make any place safe.

#3, my kids, and the rest of my family, so I knew they were safe.

#4, the Rochester SORT team, which my husband is a part of (he’s a sniper. Hot, right?), would be nice because those guys are crisis ready and they know how to shoot!

So that’s my list! Who would you want with you if we were under attack from the living dead?

You can find FLESH EATING ZOMBIES AND EVIL EX-GIRLFRIENDS on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Goodreads.

The ebook will be on sale for 99 cents from Oct. 26th to Nov. 1st. Happy Halloween!

You can find Rachel on Twitter as @RMSchieffelbein, and on Facebook.

THE LOVE LIST Blog Tour and Giveaway!

By: Meradeth Houston on 4:00 AM

Thank you for Joining The Love List Blog Tour Oct 15th-30^th

The Love List Series Books 1- 4

Single, successful and lonely in a small town. Would you let your girlfriends choose your man?

Tegan, Chloe, Becca and Laura do in The Love List.

When you're part of The Love List you never know who you will end up with.

Love Uncorked (The Love List Book 1)

Tegan Taylor is the owner of the Que Syrah Syrah wine shop in Vine grove, the heart of wine country. After her plan of starting a book club to meet single, local men falls flat, her new found friends come up with The Love List. Each dropped a name of a nice guy their friends may like but just not a guy they'd date. Or think of romantically. Tegan chooses Richard. After one disastrous meeting with him, Tegan wonders if The Love List isn't a terrible idea.

Richard’s a jerk. But, when handsome Australian cowboy, August, shows up, things may take a turn.

Read book one in the Love List Series as Tegan, Chloe, Laura and Becca try to find love in a small town.

http://www.amazon.com/Love-Uncorked-List-Book-ebook/dp/B00MJCMMNA/

You can find Jennifer Conner here:

Website: http://www.jenniferconnerbooks.com/

Blog: http://jenniferconnerwriter.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.conner2
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/jennilynnjac/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jenniferconner1

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Love Found Me (The Love List Book 2)

When it’s Chloe Miles turn to pick a name out of The Love List she didn’t expect to find true love. She just wanted to go on a date with a nice, available guy. Not one who drank too much, or was unemployed and wanted to stay that way. Or especially one who didn’t know what monogamy means.

Mitch Brodin didn’t know his heart was in the hands of The Love List. His Fate was set the moment he set foot into Roy's Pet Rescues looking for advice on how to care for new born kittens.

Chloe is vivacious, unpredictable, and tons of fun, while he is methodical, predictable, and well… cynical. He surely hadn’t planned on falling in love. But that’s what you get when you’re not looking for love.

http://www.amazon.com/Love-Found-Me-List-Book-ebook/dp/B00NOAZL0C/

You can find Sharon Kleve here:

Email: sharon.kleve@yahoo.com
Blog: http://authorsharonkleve.blogspot.com/
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/sharonrkleve
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SharonKleve
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/srkleve/boards/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5399389.Sharon_Kleve
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/sharon-kleve/56/ab/691/
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Sharon-Kleve/e/B006JAH14S
Shelfari: http://www.shelfari.com/sharonkleve
Library Thing: http://www.librarything.com/profile/SRKLEVE

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Blind Tasting (The Love List Book 3)

Dr. Rebecca Miller is devastated over her fiancé's affair...with her best friend. Country charm is the best medicine. Along with a good friend and a bottle of wine.
In the heart of wine country, four friends spice up their book club and create The Love List. Love is the last thing on Becca's mind until she's matched with Chase Tanner.

Chase discovers the love list and believes to be fooled. Can Becca convince him she really does love him.

http://www.amazon.com/Blind-Tasting-Love-List-Book-ebook/dp/B00NTOPXH4/

You can find Angela Ford here:

www.bookstogonow.com

angelafordauthor@gmail.com

www.angelafordauthor.com

facebook.com/writerAngelaFord

Twitter @AngelaFord67
https://www.amazon.com/author/angelaford13
http://www.goodreads.com/angelaford13

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Building up to Love (The Love List Book 4)

Story 4 in the best-selling series, The Love List from some of your favorite sweet romance authors.

A small town can be a friendly place to call home and an impossible place to find a date. A shop owner starts a singles-mingle but only has three attendees—not a single man in sight. The women continue to meet, and change their name to The Love List. Each write names of single men and drop them into a basket. The Love List seems a success as each of the women finds their true love, except Laura. She is certain the basket is cursed.

Travis Jerome is new to town. He jumps at the chance to work on Laura’s B&B remodel, to once again have the feel of a hammer in his hand. For something to last a lifetime it must start with a strong foundation and build up from there.

http://www.amazon.com/Building-Love-List-Book-ebook/dp/B00NUFAPZ2/

You can find Joanne Jaytanie here:

Street Team: https://www.facebook.com/groups/117426105131778/

http://www.joannejaytanie.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Joanne-Jaytanie/146892025475388?fref=ts
http://authorjoannejaytanie.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/joannejaytanie

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8249919.joanne-jaytanie

http://pinterest.com/joannejaytanie

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/joanne-jaytanie/61/52b/532/

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Each author will give away a $25.00 gift card at the end of the tour.

Entry -Form

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And if you're interested, I'm still game for people able to help spread the word for An Absence of Light!

After Reading: STORM FRONT by Jim Butcher

By: Meradeth Houston on 4:00 AM

Harry Dresden -- Wizard

Lost items found. Paranormal Investigations.
Consulting. Advice. Reasonable Rates.
No Love Potions, Endless Purses, or
Other Entertainment.

Harry Dresden is the best at what he does. Well, technically, he’s the only at what he does. So when the Chicago P.D. has a case that transcends mortal creativity or capability, they come to him for answers. For the “everyday” world is actually full of strange and magical things — and most of them don’t play well with humans. That’s where Harry comes in. Takes a wizard to catch a — well, whatever.

There’s just one problem. Business, to put it mildly, stinks. So when the police bring him in to consult on a grisly double murder committed with black magic, Harry’s seeing dollar signs. But where there’s black magic, there’s a black mage behind it. And now that mage knows Harry’s name. And that’s when things start to get… interesting.
Magic. It can get a guy killed. (Goodreads)

I've heard about this series so many times from so many different people that I thought it was about time to check out what all the fuss was about. And honestly, it was an interesting and entertaining novel. I didn't particularly dislike it, nor did I particularly find myself enamored with it. Honestly, the thing was that I felt that Harry (what is it with wizards named Harry? Huh? Can someone explain that to me?) was a little flat. I kept feeling like I'd get to see more into his mind and motivations, maybe a little into his emotions and person, but honestly, it just wasn't there, and that left me unable to get behind him in the story. While reading, I began to wonder if perhaps it was because the MC was male that I wasn't getting into the story as much as normal, but I've read plenty of novels where I'd felt a connection with the male MC, and felt they were much more fleshed out, so who knows. At any rate, it was an interesting novel, one that I enjoyed for it's quick pace and really interesting world, but not something that left me particularly inclined to read on in the series.

Okay, not to beat a dead horse with this sign up, but it's here should you be interested, m'k? :)

CURSE OF THE GRANVILLE FORTUNE Scavenger Hunt

By: Meradeth Houston on 3:30 AM

Let the hunt begin!

Curse of the Granville Fortune officially releases into the world today! This middle grade fantasy adventure involves a race to a treasure, so there's a scavenger hunt to celebrate.

But first, check out the cover and blurb:

Find the fortune, break the curse!

The hunt is on for an ancient treasure tied to nine-year-old J.B.'s family history. He's been having visions that make him sweaty, lightheaded, and certain he’s turning into some kind of freak—or worse, going insane. But things are worse than he imagined. The visions stem from a family curse. An ancient ancestor was accused of stealing the massive Granville fortune, and now J.B.’s entire family will suffer.

To break the curse, J.B. must find and return the Granville’s stolen property. But he's not the only one searching for the treasure. As he sets out on his journey through a dark and foreboding forest, he'll battle his worst fears and fight terrifying creatures along the way. And when he meets two others who share the missing pieces of his visions and suffer from the same curse, the three soon realize they need to work together to break the curse before it's too late.

Order it on Amazon or B&N.

Now for the scavenger hunt. Below is a list of bloggers helping out with the hunt. Visit each of their pages and collect a letter that is "hidden" in their post in either a different color or a larger font size. If you go through the list in order, the word will spell itself out for you. If you don't go in order, you'll have to unscramble the word. Either way is fine and totally up to you. Then enter the word on the rafflecopter form for bonus entries. You don't have to find the word to enter the giveaway, but the word will earn you the most entries.

What's up for grabs?

SWAG from ALL of Kelly's books!

Yes, that's right. There's a drawstring bag, coins, buttons, a mood ring, a heart bracelet, a flame pendant, trading cards, a key, and bookmarks! All this loot could be yours!

Here are the stops for the scavenger hunt (in order):

Ketch's Book Nook

Written To Our Hearts

Reading Away the Days

Write Stuff

Sherry Ficklin

Doctor's Notes

Dawn Brazil's Brilliant Babbles About Books

Medeia Sharif

Good luck!

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And if you have a chance, and are up for spreading the word or reviewing An Absence of Light, please drop your name into the form :)

Release Day for A LIZARD'S TAIL by Bish Denham

By: Meradeth Houston on 4:00 AM

I have another fun book to share today! Be sure to take a look and let Bish know what you think :)

Hi everyone! Did you have a good weekend? Hope so! I have a great book to share today, but before I do that, I'm starting to put together a release day buzz. If you can sign up to help post something the week of October 31st-November 8th, let me know. And, reviewers! If you're up for that, that would be epic! And don't forget the giveaway I have going on!

And this weekend I kinda went a little wild with iMovie and this was the result:

And now on to the awesome post! Sorry, lots of fun things to share today :)

Amazon

From the moment he hatches, Marvin P. Tinkleberry knows he is destined for greatness. For one, he has a marvelous, well-groomed tail. For another he can puff out his throat pouch in the most spectacular way. Maybe the other lizards in his colony don't take him seriously, but he knows the truth. It lives in the marrow of his bones; he's going to be a hero.

When a feral cat threatens the lives of all who live at Stone Wall in the Garden by the Sea, Marvin knows it's HIS destiny to get rid of the fearsome beast. Travelling Over the Hill to find help should be as easy as snapping up a sleeping moth. But it doesn't take long for Marvin to see that the world beyond Stone Wall is not the same as his pampered life back at the garden. From the deadly Sucker Cactus Forest to deadly mongooses, danger lurks around every corner and Marvin will have to decide if he's willing to be the hero he's long bragged about being.

Bish Denham was raised in the U. S. Virgin Islands. Her mother's side of the family has lived in the Caribbean for over one hundred years and she still has plenty of family there whom she visits regularly.

She says, "Growing up in the islands was like living inside a history book. Columbus named the islands, Sir Francis Drake sailed through the area, and Alexander Hamilton was raised on St. Croix. Then there were the pirates who plied the waters. Life for me was magical, and through my writing I hope to pass on some of that magic."

Bish has known many lizards in her life. Marvin and Leeza are based on two that lived in her bedroom.

She is the author of Anansi and Company: Retold Jamaican Folk Tales which you can find on Amazon.com.

Blog: http://bish-randomthoughts.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bish.denham
Twitter: @BishDenham
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6439315.Bish_Denham

Halloween #Giveaway!

By: Meradeth Houston on 10:16 AM

The wonderful Rachel Schieffelbein is hosting a really cool giveaway of some wonderful Halloween themed books :) You're definitely going to want to check these out! And included in the bunch? A copy of An Absence of Light. This is the first giveaway with a copy of it, so feel special! :) Be sure to enter below! And don't forget the other giveaway I've got going on here!

One lucky winner will receive a signed paperback of Rachel's YA horror,

FLESH EATING ZOMBIES AND EVIL EX-GIRLFRIENDS,

and an ebook of

BLACK HELLEBORE by Nicole Zoltack,

FATAL and BRUTAL by T.A. Brock,

MOONLESS by Crystal Collier,

AN ABSENCE OF LIGHT by Meradeth Houston,

DAUGHTER OF CHAOS by Jen McConnel,

and PHOBIC by Cortney Pearson.

You know you want one of these, right? They're awesome!!

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And if you're feeling really generous, there's a sign up here for my release day fun! :) (Yes, shameless self promotion. I can't help it!)

VITAMINS AND DEATH by Medeia Sharif

By: Meradeth Houston on 4:00 AM

I love it when awesome authors have covers and books to share! Medeia has written some amazing books and it's a pleasure to showcase her most recent cover here! Oh, and don't forget about the giveaway I have running :)

VITAMINS AND DEATH by Medeia Sharif

YA Contemporary, Prizm Books

Release Date December 10, 2014

Deidra Battle wants nothing more than to be invisible. After her mother, a public school teacher, engages in an embarrassing teacher-student affair at Lincoln High, they relocate to a different neighborhood and school. Being her mother’s briefcase, Deidra joins her mother at her new workplace, Hodge High.

Since her mother has reverted to her maiden name and changed her appearance, Deidra thinks no one will figure out they’re the Battles from recent news and that they’re safe. Neither of them is. Hodge brings a fresh set of bullies who discover details about the scandal that changed her life.

Feeling trapped at home with an emotionally abusive, pill-addicted mother and at school with hostile classmates who attempt to assault and blackmail her, Deidra yearns for freedom, even if she has to act out of character and hurt others in the process. Freedom comes at a price.

Find Medeia

Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Add VITAMINS AND DEATH on Goodreads

Cover Reveal Celebration for AN ABSENCE OF LIGHT!

By: Meradeth Houston on 3:30 AM

Some of you have probably heard me talking about my next release: An Absence of Light. I'm incredibly excited about it and the release day, October 31st, is right around the corner. Halloween is only too appropriate for this thriller novel and I hope you all enjoy it. I just got my final cover and I'm stoked to get to share it with you all! And because I can't resist, I'm doing a little giveaway: an Amazon gift card (open internationally), and a swag pack of awesomeness (to US residents, because shipping costs a pretty penny I don't have). So are your ready for this? :)

I've been describing this novel as the X-Files meets Buffythe Vampire Slayer. Except, it's more on the sci-fi side than the paranormal. And it may make you want to leave the lights on. Or keep one of these handy:

This will make a whole lot more sense once you've read it!

Actually, part of the fun of the swag pack is that I'm giving away some of these:

They make great shadow weapons...well, so long as Leah has had some time to make modifications :)

Another note: I'll be looking for reviewers SOON, so if you're game let me know in the comments and I'll be emailing :) Hope you enjoy the giveaway, and any and all sharing is massively appreciated!!
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After Reading: Secrets / Outcast (JournalStone's DoubleDown, #5) by John R. Little and Mark Allan Gunnells

By: Meradeth Houston on 4:00 AM

The Double Down series continues with two stories that explore the very different realities of Karen Richard’s life. The common prologue springboards two talented authors into alternate realities – two stories, two authors, one book.

In John R. Little’s Secrets, Karen Richardson can occasionally stop time. She is free to move around while others are frozen in time. She finds the hidden truths of those around her, including her new friend, Bobby Jersey, who may not be all that he seems. At first it seemed fun, powerful, exhilarating, but in the end Karen’s power may cost her everything she’s ever cared about.
In Mark Allan Gunnells’ Outcast, Karen Richardson is a college freshman dealing with a non-existent social life, a difficult roommate…and the power of telekinesis. As her powers grow, Karen begins to lose control. Her new friend Bobby Jersey offers his assistance. But is he somebody that Karen can trust, or will her abilities destroy everything and everyone she knows and loves. (Goodreads)

This was an interesting read: not something I've ever really encountered before, but I enjoyed it for its uniqueness. The stories both incorporate a similar snippet, which the two authors use to create two worlds and two vastly different stories. Both were interesting and drew me in completely. I did find the second story to be more to my personal taste, and I really loved the ghost aspect to it, along with some twists and turns that were a bit obvious, but still fun. In all, this was a quick read, quite enjoyable, and definitely different! Worth checking out for sure :)

Have you read something like this before? Did you enjoy it?

Spotlight on Margo Sorenson's SPAGHETTI SMILES

By: Meradeth Houston on 4:00 AM

I have a special treat today: a guest post by Margo Sorenson, talking about her awesome new book! Doesn't it sounds great? And her story is amazingly inspirational (along with making me want Italian food!). Be sure to say hello in the comments :)

After school, Jake hurries to his Uncle Rocco's crazy, mixed-up Italian restaurant to play with food and dig into a new book! Whether juggling ravioli, bowling with mozzarella balls, or playing spaghetti pick-up sticks, Jake and his uncle serve up heaping portions of fun. So when the business next door moves out, Jake sets out on a mission to find a new neighbor for his uncle's Italian joint, or else Uncle Rocco will have to close the restaurant, and then there’ll be no more reading together. The joy of learning, the fun of reading with family, and the importance of community all play a part in Jake’s story. Jake and Rocco encourage children to read, laugh, and cook something crazy! Picture book fun for ages 4-8.

Amazon: Barnes and Noble

You can order this from any bookstore, as well.

Teachers and librarians may want to contact the educational sales manager Jacky Kim at (800) 843-1724 Ext. 319 jkim@pelicanpub.com

SPAGHETTI SMILES

BY MARGO SORENSON

When Meredith invited me to write about the inspiration for my latest children's picture book, SPAGHETTI SMILES, I was thrilled and honored. When I do school author visits, I always get asked where I get my ideas, and it's fun to share the often convoluted and quirky methods we writers use!

The primary inspiration for this book was the question I always tell the students about: "What if?" Watching and listening to people in many different places can serve as the impetus for a wacky and crazy idea, if you ask yourself, "What if?" about what you see and hear.

For example, for SPAGHETTI SMILES, one of my ideas was generated by the fact that our daughters used to have sleepover birthday parties in elementary school, and what they loved to do was to have "make-your-own-pizza" parties. The girls would line up in front of all the ingredients and create their own pizzas, some making faces and some making designs. I always wondered, "What if?" the pizzas could rearrange their own faces? The other "What if?" question popped into my head when our favorite Italian restaurant lost its neighbor, a toy store. The store remained vacant for some time, and I wondered, "What if?" a bank moved in next door? Or a post office? Or a gas station? What if things got mixed up between the restaurant and its new neighbor? What would be some of the wacky things that might happen?

The result – over twenty-two years of drafts, rejections, revisions, submissions, more rejections, and final acceptance (hurray!) – was SPAGHETTI SMILES! So, if you are wondering how to get ideas to write about, just pay attention to what's going on around you, and ask yourself, "What if?"

Oh, and it helps to love cooking Italian food and reading, too! ☺

Meradeth, thank you again – grazie mille – for inviting me to be your guest!

Award-winning author Margo Sorenson spent her childhood devouring books and Italian food. Born in Washington, DC, and raised in Spain and Italy, Sorenson received her BA in history from the University of California. With almost two decades of teaching experience and a national Milken Educator Award, she is very familiar with the imaginations and educational needs of young people. Sorenson enjoys visiting her grandchildren, watching sports, and hearing from her many readers. She lives with her husband in La Quinta, California.

You can find Margo on the web at www.margosorenson.com, on Twitter as @ipapaverison, on Pinterest, on Goodreads, on LibraryThing, and on Jacketflap.