Game Show With Theresa Paolo & a Giveaway!

Well, I've decided that I'm not sure if I want to spill the beans on which of the 4 things are true from my last post for Theresa's bloghop. Hmmm. But I guess I better. Number ONE is the thing I would (Never) do again! - Like EVER! Now, don't get the wrong idea. I was like twelve or thirteen years old. I was under water and nobody saw anything!... except maybe my swimsuit for 2.5 seconds. Yes, sometimes there are no explanations for the things we do... at least it's that way for me. But your answers and guesses from that post are my absolute favorites!

Okay, now that the confession has been made. Lets move on. Cause it will (NEVER) happen again!

Today, I have Theresa Paolo over for a visit with a little game show fun in celebration of the release of her book, (Never) Again. Thanks for joining us Theresa. This is going to be FUN!

Okay, Theresa... this is the game of 3's! You tell us three things and we guess which ONE is correct! (So obviously, two of them have to be made up!)  Make sense?
Ready? Lets go!

 1.  Tell us three things you wish you'd (Never) done.
a. Sing karaoke in front of my boyfriends extended family after meeting them for the first time.
b. Send out a query comparing my work to two authors only for the agent to make fun of my comparison on Twitter.
c. Follow a guy in China Town into the back of a mini van to buy a knockoff pocket book.

2.  Tell us three places you will (Never) eat AGAIN.
a. KFC
b. Applebees
c. TGIFridays

3.  Tell us three places you will (Never) visit AGAIN.
a. The Whitney Museum
b. Madame Tussaud's in Times Square
c. The Met 

Okay... I'm still having trouble trying to decide which ones I think are the correct answers. This is too much fun. Thanks for being such a good sport!

And here's some extra fun for you bloggers... Guess which (one) answer is true for each of the (three) questions. Leave your answer in the comments section and if you get all three right you're up to win a FREE eBook of Theresa's novel, (Never) Again!!! If there is more than one person who gets them right, I'll pop your names into random.org and we'll pick a winner! (eBook available for Kindle or Nook! Tell me which you prefer in the comment section with your answer.)

 Blurb:

Just when she had finally moved on…
…He moved back.

When college freshman Liz Wagner hears her ex's voice for the first time since he moved clear across the freaking country, she does what any respectable girl would do: Dive into the girls' bathroom.

Zach Roberts—the Zach Roberts—is back. And he’s everywhere Liz looks—infiltrating her friend group, buddy-buddy with her brother. It’s enough to ruin college altogether. But what choice does she have but to put on a happy face and pretend he didn't leave her vulnerable and alone in a pile of emotional wreckage?

Pretending works, until tragedy strikes and the only person available for comfort is the one person she wants to stay away from. When Zach turns out not to be the jerk she convinced herself he was, but the boy she used to love, Liz needs to decide whether to open her heart again to the boy who tore it out.

 
About the Author:

Theresa Paolo lives in the same town she grew up in on Long Island, NY with her boyfriend and Milton, their big eyed goldfish. She has a hard time accepting the fact she’s nearing thirty which is why she writes New Adult and Young Adult books, reliving the best and worst years of her life through her characters. She put her love of writing on hold while she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from Dowling College. On November 11^th 2011 at 11:11 she made a wish. Two hours later she was laid off. Jobless for the first time since she was sixteen she was determined to make her wish come true. Writing became her life again and after many nights of ignoring her boyfriend to spend time with her characters, she finally received the call that all her hard work, finger crossing and eye crossing paid off. She was getting published.  When she’s not writing, she’s behind a camera or can be found in the blogosphere or on Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook. She is repped by the amazing Brittany Booker of The Booker Albert Literary Agency.

Okay enough of the third person! Look for my debut novel (NEVER)AGAIN  Berkley(Penguin).You can order it today at B&N or Amazon.

 
Theresa, it has been a pleasure having you over today. I'm so excited about (Never) Again! Also - for all you participating to win the FREE eBook, Theresa will be popping in tonight to tell us the RIGHT answers! Can't wait! 

(Never) Again... Or Not!

In honor of the release of Theresa's book, (Never) Again, she's having a bloghop where we can share things we swore we would NEVER-DO-AGAIN! Of course, sometimes we just can't help it, and well... things happen.

Just for fun, I will tell you 4 things I will NEVER DO AGAIN, and you have to tell me which one is TRUE!
Ready?

1. I will never go skinny-dipping at a church function AGAIN!
2. I will never eat Rocky Mountain Oysters (AKA cow testicles) AGAIN!
3. I will never go to the top of the Stratosphere in Seattle ever AGAIN, because I am way too afraid of heights.
4. I will never go deep sea diving for the Loch Ness Monster ever AGAIN, because I found way more than I bargained for the first time.

Okay, which one do you think is TRUE? And yes, only one is. Have you swore off doing something? Did you ever go back to that thing or have you stayed true to staying away from it?

Also, find (Never) Again HERE!

I'm Back With a Book Review! - Sky Jumpers ROCKS!

I'm sure you've probably heard about this baby by now. It was recently released by the fabulous Peggy Eddleman. Well, I adore Peggy, and let me tell you why that makes me nervous. Because I expected this book to be AWESOME! Yes! I really did. And that can be bad, because when you go into something with high expectations, chances are you'll walk away disappointed. If you go in with level expectations, you can come out thrilled. 

Well... with this book, it doesn't matter. I went in with high expectations and it still blew me away!

I definitely give it 5 STARS!

It's not often enough that we get to come across something that makes a new level of awesomeness all of it's own - but this book does! It did not let me down in the least and I went in with high expectations. But its more than that! This book is even better than I imagined, and gives me all the things I want my kids to read... and then some! It's fun, brilliant, daring, and creative. This is a world that everyone needs to experience and shares such a wonderful, touching message, that I'd love to pass on to my kids and students. Don't miss out on this extraordinarily epic story! 

Yep, I copied my review right off Amazon. I would highly recommend this for yourself, or you have a middle grade child (whether it's your own, or a niece, nephew or neighbor!) It would make a great Christmas present if you're looking for ideas and you don't have to worry about it having something that parent's wouldn't want their child to read.

IT ROCKS!!! Find it on Amazon and B&N.

So, what are you reading?

Sacrifice Her - Cover Reveal!

The day has finally come. Time to reveal the cover of Sacrifice HER. Be amazed.

Title: Sacrifice HER by Sheena-kay Graham Goodreads: Sacrifice HER Release Date: December 2013 Summary: When a city is at stake is the life of one sixteen-year old girl worth risking thousands? Deidra Moore goes on the run after escaping from a group of human sacrifices for Bane: God of War. She doesn't believe he exists and sees uncertainty in the scorching desert as a better alternative. But Faux City isn't finished with her and their leader Lord Brinn is ordered by Bane - through one of his maiden worshipers- to bring her back or face dire consequences. In the desert Deidra meets a wanderer named Kane and as feelings spark can they find a safe place to lead a new life before Lord Brinn and his soldiers catch up with them? Yet the question remains. Does Bane really exist and if he does what will happen if either side succeeds or fails? Told in alternating perspectives of both the runaway servant girl and the blonde strong willed leader.
Author Bio: Sheena-kay Graham was never meant for a traditional job behind a desk. Her childhood career plans included becoming a ballerina, actress or someone who helped people. So naturally she decided to be a writer who writes from her bed. Yes, no desk for this Jamaican book lover. No matter if it’s reading, writing or using the computer....you get the gist. The love of the written word has always been with her leading to stories, novels, poetry and way too much fan fiction. This Christian woman can be found trolling Amazon online, in local book bookstores, watching movies on the big screen, or in her bed, or reading/writing/on the laptop...again in her bed. Mainly writes YA fiction and is ready to unleash her creativity to wow the masses.

Links

Website: http://queendsheena.blogspot.com/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5448863.Sheena_kay_Graham

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SheenakayGrahamAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/queendsheena

Cover Design: 

Image of woman with flowing hair (purchased): © Transfuchsian | Dreamstime.com

Cover Designer:  Langao @ http://fiverr.com/langao

And for a final bit of wow factor. Look at what I got for free without asking.

Writing a Collaboration

One of the books I'm working on is a collaboration. This is weird to me, because it wasn't long ago that I didn't think I would ever want to do a collaboration.

"It's too complicated."

"It would be too hard."

Those were some of the excuses I used when writing this way was not attractive to me. But something changed and when I was asked about considering a collab I realized I really wanted to try it.

And I'm so glad I did!

I've found a collab to not only be FUN - but beneficial as well. Here's why:

• I learn from my partner! We all have room to learn and grow in our writing and this is a great way to do it.
• I have fun brainstorming with my partner. It expands my thinking and plotting skills.
• It's great to bounce ideas off one another and see how they morph into something more fantabulous than either came up with on their own.
• Good practice for teamwork
• It keeps me going. My partner keeps me motivated and moving at a good pace

A few things you need to consider before jumping into a collab:

• Know the person. Make sure you've read some of their work and you're comfortable with their writing style.
• This is a commitment to someone else - not just yourself. Be prepared to work and contribute.
•  "Be comfortable enough to give and take criticism. You don't want to be worried about hurt feelings during revisions." - Rachel Shieffelbein
• "Be open to suggestions and change. Speak up when you know things aren't working. Have fun. Treat your collab partner as a friend AND a business partner. Know each others schedules. Know each other's limits concerning content and language. Know each others end goal for the project. Write bios for your characters. Be willing to let the collaboration partner edit and write some of your chapters and do the same for them. It's ONE book written by two people...not two books written by two people. So listen, be open to change. Speak up, and be nice and kind in your workings. Write notes along the way. Make jokes, talk about your characters as if they are real, appreciate that you're sharing a passion of yours with someone else. Feed off your partner's strengths. Recognize your weaknesses. And have fun. Have fun. Have fun!" - Cassie Mae

I think that about sums it up. I've found that I love working on a collab and I hope to do more of them. 

Have you ever written a collaboration? What was your experience? What are your thoughts on writing a collab? Anybody hesitant like I once was?

Confessions of a Wonder Woman Wannabe

I have been dying to read this since I heard it was going to come out. I have adored Jenny's other books and I think this one is perfect for any mom.
Blurb:
She may be tough, beautiful, and practically perfect in every way, but saving the world is only easy when you're Wonder Woman. Being a mom, on the other hand? Now, that takes some serious superpowers.
A lasso of truth, bulletproof wristbands, and an invisible airplane. Throw in a golden tiara, great hair, and abs made of steel and you've got a gal theoretically capable of saving the planet (and looking fabulous in the process, too, I might add). But moms aren't looking to save the world. Nope. They'd settle for well-behaved kids, a clean home, an occasional nap or two, and maybe an uninterrupted trip to the bathroom every once in a while. They'd trade in the need for perfection--the desire for acceptance--and willingly cast aside those unrealistic expectations they've placed upon themselves in their roles as mothers.
Confessions of a Wonder Woman Wannabe provides the modern-day mommy with sanity-saving tips, advice, and hilarious real-life accounts that every supermom can most certainly relate to, benefit from, and appreciate. After all, the reader may not have been born with superhuman strength, but with God on her side, Jesus in her heart, and the Holy Spirit in her corner, she's more than equipped to handle the daily battles that rage before her. ''So hold on tight, girls, as we prepare to tackle this role of motherhood together: the good, the bad, (the slightly ugly), and everything in between.''

Jenny is one of those awesome people I consider to be a Wonder Woman and I wanted to have her over for a fun little interview so we could learn more about her.

Let's jump right in, shall we?

1.     What inspired you to write this book? 

Gosh. I have learned so much in the past ten years of motherhood--and most of it’s been the hard way!  So, I wanted to present my sisters in the trenches with a companion of sorts. A book inclusive of (a ton of) tips to assist them in their daily efforts, take some of that yucky pressure off, and remind them to just enjoy the ride (even in the midst of a meltdown, tantrum, or other chaotic catastrophe).
 I think I need this reminder on a daily basis.

2.     What are three bits of advice you think every mom should know? 
Expect the unexpected, kick your desires for perfection to the curb, and when all else fails; breath, pray, relax and repeat.

You're telling me exactly what I need to hear right now! Wonderful! I love this advice.

3.     What is your favorite thing about being a mother? 
Experiencing each new stage, phase, and milestone with my kids. Watching them grow is the greatest blessing.

Love it. I keep telling me son to quit growing so fast. He just rolls his eyes at me, of course.

4.     What is your favorite thing about being a writer? Knowing that the words I’ve shared have helped another in some way, shape or form.

Well, I want you to know they've helped me. I love your other two books, and my kids love to have me read them to them too.

5.     Share three random facts about you, we don’t know about. 
I was born on a major holiday (complete with party, parade, etc.), I am a connoisseur of all things food-like (I love to eat), and I dig all things 80’s (movies, music, you name it!).
Ah! The 80's definitely had the best music and I love most of those shows too! Great fun facts about you.

Thank you Jenny! It's so much fun to learn more about you. You're so inspiring and I think a lot of that is because you're so real and down to earth. 

 About the Author:

Jenny Lee Sulpizio is a wife and mother of three who enjoys writing about anything and everything under the sun, but especially loves to instruct, motivate, and guide other moms with practical advice, tips, and a whole lot of comic relief in the process. Jenny is a contributing writer for The MOB Society and Moms Together, and is the author of the recently released guide for all mamas titled, “Confessions of a Wonder Woman Wannabe: On a Mission to Save Sanity, One Mom at a Time.” To find out more about Jenny or to follow her blog, visit www.jennyleesulpizio.com.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jennyleesulpizio.author

Twitter: http://twitter.com/JennySulpizio

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/jennysulpizio/boards/