D - Doing the Best I can

Sometimes (more often than not actually) I find myself buried under a to-do list that has reached a length that makes me cry when I look at it.

Sometimes I miss appointments, birthdays, parties, meetings, anniversaries, new births of friends' babies, etc, etc, etc

Sometimes I don't have time to write a chapter, a page, or even a paragraph despite my best effort to get my book done

Sometimes I forget when things are due or when I've promised to do something for someone

Sometimes I don't follow up on the many, many emails/messages I get in my 4 email accounts, 3 FB accounts, 2 FB pages, 2 Twitters, 1 LinkedIn, and 2 Instagram accounts.

But

Sometimes I have to sit back and remember that I'm doing the best I can!

Seriously, sometimes we need to look over our to-do list, appointments, meetings, messages, emails, notifications, parties, etc, and just realize that there is not time in life for us to do everything. And sometimes we need to realize that be have to pick and choose which ones are most important or most urgent, and get them done. Then we can say "I did something today, and I feel accomplished"

So instead of looking at everything you have to do or need to do or should do or want to do until you get to the point that you go crazy trying to keep up, today, Just choose a couple of thing and remind yourself that even those few things are a step forward - an accomplishment.

Because today, I am Doing the Best I can! And that's worth something!

C - Children's book illustrator launches a new MG Novel

Mikey Brooks, Author and illustrator of Children's and MG books is releasing his new novel!!

Welcome to The Stone of Valhalla Blog Tour!

A middle-grade fantasy-adventure by Mikey Brooks.

Don’t forget to check out the GIVEAWAY at the bottom this post

for a chance to WIN a $25 Amazon Gift card and other great prizes!

Synopsis:

Aaron was chosen to save their world, but it might come at the cost of losing his own.

Breaking into an old lady’s basement was supposed to reward 13-year-old Aaron with new friends. Instead he finds an enchanted amulet that transports him to another world—one at war with magic. Before he knows it, he is accused of witchcraft and invited to a bonfire—where he’s the main attraction. If that’s not bad enough, a goblin army shows up and toasts the town...literally. The good news: Aaron escapes being charbroiled. The bad news: the goblins are after him. They want his amulet and will stop at nothing to get it. Battling to find his way home, Aaron teams up with a not-so-magical-wizard and learns it’s his fate to destroy the amulet and save this new world. But is he willing to sacrifice his own?

Check out what these talented authors are saying about it:

“The Stone of Valhalla is one of those books that only comes along once in a great while. Brooks doesn't just create a world, he puts you inside of it, allowing you to experience the wonder in a way that only he can. His characters are likable and fun. His twists leave you asking ‘Why?’ Treat yourself to an exciting adventure through a beautiful new land. Make new friends and be a part of the magic. This is a book that you will not be able to put down!”

—J.R. Simmons, author of Ragesong: Awakening.

 “The Stone of Valhalla drew me in from the get-go. Aaron’s journey is reminiscent of Dorothy’s trek in The Wizard of Oz. Magic, sword fights, danger, and more danger, sprinkled with humor and unexpected twists. This is one of the ‘best’ fantasy adventures I’ve ever experienced!”

—BBH McChiller, author of The Monster Moon Series.

“The Stone of Valhalla is a riveting mystery revealing true friendship, loyalty and sacrifice. Brooks engages the curiosity of middle graders and older sleuths alike, until the very end. Fantastic!”

—L.R.W. Lee, author of The Andy Smithson series.

Excerpt From: Chapter Two: The Penalty of Witchcraft

Aaron thought he’d been transported to some kind of renaissance fair. People milled about in the street, all dressed like they belonged on the set of some medieval movie. Most of their faces were stained with dirt, and they wore soiled clothing. Large, wooden buildings, held together by plaster, loomed overhead and all around him. Some had signs announcing specific trades and goods. The sweet smell of bread came from one shop, clearly a bakery. A rotund man stood out front, arguing with an old man who had a silvery- white beard and a long, purple cloak. He was telling the baker that the rolls he had purchased tasted ‘day-old’ and he required a reimbursement.

Several passersby gave Aaron odd glances. One little girl with a group of women dressed like nuns pointed at him and giggled. He thought he heard her call him a buffoon, but she was quickly shushed by one of the women and pulled into a shop.

This is so unreal.

Aaron couldn’t figure out what had happened.

How did I get here? Who are these people?

Aaron waited for someone to jump out and yell, “Surprise, you’re on camera!”

It never happened.

The seconds drew on like hours, and Aaron stood unmoving like a statue in the middle of the dirt road. The sweet smell from the bakery was drowned by the stench of a sweaty mule pulling a cart packed full with what had to be manure. The wind blew and the wafting smell of poo filled Aaron’s nose. He coughed and tried to cover the reek with his shirt.

“Witchcraft! Witchcraft, I say!”

Aaron turned around to see a middle-aged woman with only three teeth shouting hysterically. She pointed directly at him. He looked over his shoulder to ensure no green-skinned, broom-commandeering, warty-faced lady in black stood beside him. There wasn’t anyone there. The noise on the street stopped dead except for the woman. She grabbed a small wooden crate from a cart filled with fresh flowers and stood on it. “Fetch the constable! Don’t let him get away, or he’ll set a curse on our town.”

Five large men formed a group behind the woman and advanced toward Aaron. He didn’t know what to do.

Where to Find The Stone of Valhalla:

Exclusive price for the eBook release is just $2.99! (List Price: $4.99)

And only $9.99 for the paperback! (List Price: $12.99)

On April 12^th 2014 the price will return to the List Price

Kindle | Paperback

Another special offer:

During The Stone of Valhalla Blog Tour

Mikey’s other great middle-grade eBooks will also be set to the low price of just $0.99!

The Dream Keeper:

Kindle | Nook | Kobo

The Dreamstone:

Kindle | Nook | Kobo

You’re Invited to PARTY!!

The online launch party will take place on Thursday, April 10^th at 4pm (MST). The party will run for 2 hours and you’re invited to drop by anytime. The longer you stay the more chances you have of winning prizes! We have slew of eBooks to giveaway, as well as a Stone of Valhalla necklace AND a $25 Amazon gift card! It is hosted by LovingtheBookLaunchParty on Facebook. Just follow this link to join the event: http://goo.gl/Q2Fd3r.

What’s that? Another Party!

That’s right! If you’re local to Utah you don’t want to miss this kickin’ party. We are having a launch party to celebrate the release of this awesome new book. Of course there will be plenty of giveaways there too, but what’s even better are the guest authors! Just check out these fabulous names: J. Scott Savage, Chad Morris, Lisa Mangum, Jenni James, Ali Cross, and many more. The Launch Party is: Friday, April 11^th from 6-9pm at The Viridian Center in West Jordan, Utah. Follow this link for a map: http://goo.gl/dqVc0u

About Mikey Brooks:

Mikey is a small child masquerading as an adult. On occasion you’ll catch him dancing the funky chicken, singing like a banshee, and pretending to have never grown up. He is the author/illustrator of several books including the best-selling ABC Adventures: Magical Creatures and Bean’s Dragons as well as the middle-grade fantasy-adventure series The Dream Keeper Chronicles. His art can be seen in many forms from picture books to full room murals. He loves to daydream with his three daughters and explore the worlds that only the imagination of children can create. Mikey has a BS degree in English from Utah State University and works fulltime as a freelance illustrator, cover designer, and author. As a member of the Emblazoners, he is one of many authors devoted to ‘writing stories on the hearts of children’. He is also one of the hosts of the Authors’ Think Tank Podcast. You can find more about him and his books at: http://www.insidemikeysworld.com/.

The Giveaways!

Enter the giveaway below to be entered to win one of the following prizes:

$25 Amazon Gift Card

The Stone of Valhalla Necklace

Autographed Paperback of The Stone of Valhalla

Autographed 11x17 Poster

a Rafflecopter giveaway

B - Books

I love books, I read books, I write books, I dream books. I love books
However, I have a very bad habit *Confession Time*

I tend to buy a lot of books that I think are amazing and that I honestly want to read - and then they sit in a pile because I can't get to them fast enough!

I literally have 11 books sitting on the corner of my desk right now that I need to read. Plus at least 15 more on the book case, and probably 200 more on my kindle reader!!

So this past little while I was watching a YouTube video from  a good friend of mine, Christine Tyler and she had something called the Book Challenge (check out the link on her name and it will take you to the book confession and challenge - totally worth watching)

So I took this challenge and realized that I had 40+ books total I haven't read (not counting ebooks) and I decided I'm not going to get anymore books until I read them. Well, now I'm down to approximately 26 I haven't read - but I totally bought more books! (Shame on me!)

You know what though? I love books and I think reading makes me write better. So I am really going to try and not buy more and to read the ones I've got - but occasionally even I can't be perfect ;)

So tell me, in the comments below, how many books do you have on your shelf (or desk) that you haven't yet read?

A - April Challenge

I am participating in the April A-Z challenge again this year. For those of you who have been following my blog for a while you'll know I did this challenge for the first time last year and was pleased with myself for completing it!

Here's how it works. Every day Monday - Saturday for the entire month I will be posting a blog about each letter of the alphabet. Today, of course, is the letter A

And my topic - April A-Z Challenge.

Now, my reason for doing this is not only to let you all know what I'm doing and why I am about to go on a month long blogging spree, but also because of all the fact that every year I participate in at least 2 challenges. Nanowrimo and April A-Z .... to date I have only complete one of those challenges. So now I have to keep up my reputation! So for today's blog I'm leaving this simple and sweet - check out the many blogs at the site below and you might find some fun blogs to follow through this challenge!

http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/p/a-to-z-challenge-sign-uplist-2014.html

Plus, of course, I'd love the support so I can complete this challenge again this year! So tell me in the comments below - what challenges do you take on on a weekly, monthly, or yearly basis? And how well do you complete your challenges?

My love for Disney

Mondays about Me

There are some things we never grow out of - that part of our heart that is always a child loves those things and makes us giddy when we encounter them.

For me - one of those things is Disney!

I love all things Disney. I have watched all the movies (I think ....) and I have toys, stuffed animals, snow globes, jewelry boxes, etc. Not like crazy - I don't have a shrine to them! But I do have a few things here and there and I own a lot of the movies. Why? Cause it's fun, it's cute, it makes me feel good, and who doesn't love Disneyland??

I actually used to work at Walt Disney World and I loved it!

A couple of weeks ago I went to Disneyland again!

That's right, I was riding the carousel! I always ride the carousel when I go to that park

So now, why am I telling you this? (ha, my favorite question!)
For one thing - because you now know my weakness! That's something that gets me every time! Cute movies, adorable characters, and fluffy creatures (like Stitch!)

But also I am telling you because I draw a lot of my ideas, character personalities, feelings for a specific scene, moods, etc, from Disney! When I listen to that music I can find exactly what I need!

For example - the song from Frozen when she sings about being stuck in the castle alone and desperate for love and human contact, that is exactly how Miriam (one of my characters) needs to feel. So I listen to that song and use it to describe the feelings it would make me feel to be in that position. It puts me in the mood to write that scene.

Another example - the song Human Again from Beauty and the Beast fills me with hope and it makes for perfect scene writing for those moments in my book where there might be a chance for something wonderful, and I listen to it over and over again as I get that scene set.

I could go on. I don't only listen to Disney music, but sometimes it just nails it right on the head. And that's why it is my top listening station on Spotify :)

So that's my Monday about Me post. I love Disney. I love Disneyland, and sometimes Disney just knows what they are doing to invoke feelings in their audience, so why not use those feelings to better write my scenes?

What music do you use when writing and why?
Comment below (cause I'd love to give some of your favorites a try!)

Happy Monday!

Answers

Mondays about Me

Good Morning everyone!

So for today, I'm going to answer the questions that were left as response to last weeks post!

Here goes:

Chrissy asked: Do you listen to music while you write? If so, what's your favorite writing music?

My Answer: Sometimes I do, Sometimes I don't. It depends on my mood. But when I do it often turns out to be Disney Music or Christmas Music (doesn't matter what time of year it is). Unless I have found a couple of songs that perfectly fit what I'm trying to write - then I have those on repeat. I spent an entire day listening to the songs from that one musical episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer ("One more time, with feeling" I think it's called) because her song fit the mood I was trying to capture for my character :)

DA Cairns asked: Do you sometimes feel like you just don't belong? What is at the core of your desire to write? 

My Answer: I have often felt like I don't belong, in many situations. I have often been in places where I look around and thing "What in the world am I doing here?" Not just physical places either, but emotional places and educational places, etc. etc. I think we all kind of feel like that at some point. We kind of have to find our niche. However, unlike many writers, I am not so much an introvert. I am very much a social butterfly and because of this I do have an easier time communicating, dealing with crowds, being in the middle of things, and pretending I'm belonging, even when I don't feel like I am.

As for the core of my desire to write - I have always, always loved making up stories and telling them. I love giving life to characters and seeing how people respond to them. I love the idea that I can contribute something (hopefully in a good way) to the world by giving them something good to read and escape into.

Well those were the questions I was asked today. Remember, you can ask me any question at any time. My goal is to get you guys to know me, and for me to get to know something about you too through your comments and questions.

Next week, I think I'll show you a bit of my love for Disney .... :)

Happy Monday!

Branding

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

So for Today's Mondays about Me post, I was thinking about the class I took at conference titled Book Marketing 101.

Now, I find that I have an idea of what marketing is. However, I think I don't always keep up on all the different ways to reach out and Brand myself as an author.

So here's some things I learned:

1- Big blocks of texts scare people and long chapters are a turn off. (You would think this would have been obvious to me since it tend to skip through large sections of text rather than read them, but apparently I'm not about to put it together that if it scares me away, it will scare others away too. Ergo, I will try not to scare you all away from my posts with large blocks of text).

2- Basically you have to be on everything. (Did you guys know I have more than just a blog? Seriously, I do! But I thought about it and realized that with all the things you are learning about me, you probably are not familiar with all my other social media sites! Shame on me for not telling you! Links will be at the bottom!)

3 - Research our audience and marketing. (Well, the only research I get is from the feedback you guys leave. So here is my challenge for you today. Tell me, in the comments below, one thing you would like to know about me. Seriously, anything since that will lead me to future Mondays about me Posts. What do you want to know about me or about my writing or about me while I'm writing?)

4 - Make sure every piece of information is valuable to the reader on every platform. (Well, I hope that the information I have been sharing with you is valuable in letting you know me. And in helping other authors market, write, promote, and edit their own books - again, feedback helps here  :)  )

So those are some basics I have learned about marketing. I hope this helps some of you with your books as well. But if you do need help, here is the fabulous site I recommend for book launch parties, blog tours, prize packages, and other ideas:
Loving the Book Launch Party:
http://lovingthebooklaunchparty.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/lovingthebook.launchparty

As for me, here is my social sites you are welcome to check out and follow!
FB: https://www.facebook.com/rebecca.lamoreaux.3
FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorRebeccaLamoreaux
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Lamoreaux_R
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=329526372&trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile_pic
Email: reb.bec.lam@gmail.com

Happy Monday Everyone (and don't forget to leave your comment with a response from #3)