Contest alert

Check out Rachelle Gardner's blog for a logline contest. Enter today everyone. And good luck.

The Lion Awakens; Annie's transformation

When THE LION AWAKENS begins, Annie is this shy, nerdy, uncoordinated girl who has little self-esteem and zero confidence. By the end of the novel, she has transformed into a confident young lady who has mastered her superhuman abilities to stop a tyrant from destroying her world.
I loved writing the following excerpt. I think it shows how far Annie has come. Here, she stands up to a group of popular girls who just want to use her. Annie's boyfriend had convinced the girls that modeling agents were fighting over Annie. He was just screwing with them at the mall one night. When Annie shaves her head (something she did in order to "fit in" the parallel universe she was traveling to) the girls did, too, thinking it was the latest style.
....
“Are you serious?” Annie asked. “My boyfriend dies and all you’re concerned about is getting a freakin' modeling agent. Well, here’s the truth. I don’t have an agent. Never have. I don’t model. Never will. I shaved my head because I wanted to. It’s not the “in thing” to do. And, one more thing, your heads look like bald asses without the cracks. So go screw yourselves.”
Annie turned around to open her locker and the girls’ eyes were the size of half dollars.
“Are you serious?” Jen asked. “You don’t really model or have an agent? Like we totally shaved our heads for nothing?”
Annie turned around. “I’ve never been more serious. And if you ever bother me on Petra or anyone else again, you’ll have a lot more to worry about than a bald ass for a head. Oh, and another thing, Jen, your tits are as fake as your French tips. If it weren’t for that boob job your daddy dearest paid for you’d have nothin' but muffin tops.”
......
YEAH Annie. You go girl! That's the way to do it. The Lion has, indeed, awakened.
Do you have an excerpt to share that shows growth in your character? Please share in comments.

Contest starts tonight

Just a reminder that the QueryTracker contest starts tonight. Only 100 entries will be accepted. Genres are young adult and middle grade.
QueryTracker contest details here

I'm a hugger, how 'bout you?

I'm a hugger. It's just who I am. I hug my family and friends when I greet them and when I said goodbye. I couldn't imagine a world without hugs. My husband didn't grow up in a demonstrative family, so marrying me introduced him to a whole new world. But I think he would tell you that he's embraced it and is a hugger now, too. Here are two of my favorite hug quotes. Are you a hugger? 

"I will not play tug o' war. I'd rather play hug o' war. Where everyone hugs instead of tugs, Where everyone giggles and rolls on the rug, Where everyone kisses, and everyone grins, and everyone cuddles, and everyone wins." --Shel Silverstein

"A hug is like a boomerang - you get it back right away." --Bil Keane

Quote of the day

"Opportunity dances with those who are already on the dance floor."

--H. Jackson Brown Jr.

If you're waiting in the shadows, hiding in the back corner, afraid to get on that dance floor, don't be. Get out on that floor and dance. Even if you fall, you're trying and there will be others nearby, like me, to help you up. Let's dance together and learn together and grow together. That's what being a part of a writing community is all about. So dance, my friends. Dance like no one's watching and feel the power in every step as your confidence grows.

Awesome blogger award

My friend Cheryl from the Wandering (and wondering) through YA Lit blog gave me this award. Thanks Cheryl. *Smiles and waves* She told me I had to share seven things about myself and pass it on to 15 more bloggers. Here we go:

1. I love to run and taught indoor cycling for five years. 
2. I hate vegetables (except corn) and fish.
3. I love Walt Disney World (but can't wait to see Universal Studios Harry Potter attraction in August).
4. I’m learning to play golf but I really suck at it. But I have a purple bag and pink balls that I get to wheel around so that's way cool. 
5. I had both of my knees operated on for medial meniscus tears. (Ouch!)
6. I once left the grocery store without my groceries. I paid for them, got in my car, but instead of driving up to load the bags (it was raining), I went home.
7. I was named after a character in a TV show called Family Affair. ( have curly hair that I sometimes straighten)

OK, so most of these include two things about me:) Now, here are the 15 bloggers I pass it on to:
1. Random Thoughts
2. Terry Lynn Johnson
3. My Two Blessings
4. Edited to within an inch of my life
5. Adventures Beyond the Pond
6. I Don't Believe in Reality
7. In High Spirits
8. Jon's Life. Or Other Odd People Doing Odd Things
9. LM Preston
10. Points of Claire-ification
11. Urania's Distractions
12. Crossroads
13.Watcha Readin'
14. Kelly Polark
15. It's All About Writing

Remembering the American soldiers

Let's use this post to remember our loved ones. Please tell us about your American soldier(s). And if there is someone you want us to pray for, let us know.

Quote of the day

"Cherish your wishes and your dreams, as they are the children of your soul and the blueprints of your ultimate achievement."
--Unknown.

This is so true, no?

An inspirational mashup

To all of my followers: Dare to be great and don't give up -- EVER!

Quote of the day

"Successful writers are not the ones who write the best sentences. They are the ones who keep writing. They are the ones who discover what is most important and strangest and most pleasurable in themselves, and keep believing in the value of their work, despite the difficulties."
                                        -- Bonnie Friedman

What have you learned?

I was thinking about all of the things I've learned so far on my writing journey. What have you learned? Here are five of mine:
1. I've learned that I have an even more amazing husband than I thought. I could never do all that I do without his encouragement and support. He gives me space and time to write and never complains, even though it means he spends many nights alone.
2. I've learned that failure isn't all bad. I've learned a lot from my failures. They have made me better and stronger in many ways.
3. I've learned that finding an agent who believes in me and my work is probably one of the most difficult things I've had to do. I just have to keep believin'.
4. I've learned that I'm a better writer today than I was a year ago. I've grown and learned so much. And I know I will keep learning and getting better.
5. I've learned that there is an incredible online community of writers and artists who support one another through various platforms. I feel blessed to have found these people and for their friendship and support.
Now, your turn:)

Agent looking for intern

Agent Jenny Bent is looking for one or two remote interns to read queries and manuscripts. She's looking for a 10-hour/week commitment. See details here.