Hello Happy Midget Derby

First, I would like to say hello to all of my new Crusader friends. I've enjoyed your comments and all the blogs I've visited so far have been wonderful. 

Next, I would also like to give a shout out to the beautiful Lisa and Laura Roecker. Their first book, The Liar Society, was officially born today. Happy Book Birthday!



I watched the Oscars as I do every year and wondered the same thing...

Why does Nicole Kidman keep marrying such short men?


 











 And last, but certainly not least,

We're getting ready for Kentucky Derby season in my part of the world. I'm planning on giving it some blog love.  It may be the fastest two minutes in sports, but around here the celebration lasts for three whole weeks.

Until next time, happy writing!

Just A Quick Note

My very first interview is up on Michelle's blog today. So check it out and leave a comment if you have a spare moment so I won't feel like a total loser.

To all of the Bernard Pivot blogfest participants, I am slowly making my way through all of your answers, and so far they are terrific! My son has gotten a big kick out of reading all of your comments about his answers also.

Crusaders, I have added you all on Twitter and will be visiting  your blogs starting this weekend. Talk to you soon!

Have some chocolate on me!

It's A Crusade

I want you to start a crusade in your life - to dare to be your best.

                                                                                    ~William Danforth

Rachael Harrie has started her second Writer's Platform Building Crusade. In her words, "The Crusade is a way to link aspiring writers, beginner bloggers, industry people, and published authors together with the aim of helping to build our online platforms.

The Crusaders are all people in a similar position, who genuinely want to pay it forward, make connections and friends within the writing community, and help build each others' online platforms while at the same time building theirs."

I participated in the first Crusade and met some truly amazing writers, so of course I've signed up for this one and I urge you to also. Just go here and put your name in. I promise you won't regret it.

My friend Lola is having a PARTAY and giveaway on her lovely blog. If you've never been there, you should visit. It's full of inspiration and will leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.
 

The wonderful Andrew Smith, author of The Marbury Lens, has made his vlog debut, where he discusses YA for boys by boys, the US educational system and brussel sprouts. Definitely worth a look.

Until next time.

An Award And Giveaway!

Thank to all of you for sticking with me through my NaNo trials and tribulations. I read a fantastic NaNo-inspired post by Aimee Bender, one of my favorite authors, and wanted to link to it here. I am finally getting over this virus and hope to be back to full writing strength soon.

A special thanks to Quinn for awarding me the Beautiful Blogger award. If you haven't visited his wonderful site, you should. There is always something interesting going on over there.

I would also like to encourage you to join Rachael Harrie's Inaugural Writers' Platform Building Crusade if you haven't already. I've met so many terrific writers and discovered some really great blogs through her efforts. Thanks, Rach!

One of my fellow Crusaders is having a giveaway on her blog, Marieke's Musings, along with a great interview with Jackson Pearce on researching historical novels.

Last, but certainly not least, my follower giveaway! This was supposed to be a 100 follower giveaway, but life interrupted. Now, I'm closing in on 150 followers and wish I could afford to give something to every single one of you, because it humbles me that you take time out of your lives to visit my little blog.

When I started thinking about prizes, I'll admit I had a hard time. I have quite a few international followers and didn't want to leave them out by just offering books that I couldn't afford to ship to them. So the winner, if international, will receive a $30.00 Amazon gift certificate and if stateside will get their choice of either the gift certificate or all of the following fantabulous ARCs, 

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

Halo by Alexandra Adornetto

and  

The Particular Sadness Of Lemon Cake by the aforementioned Aimee Bender

To enter, just be a follower (+2 for old followers, +1 for new ones) and leave a comment on this post. You can also gain extra entries by doing the following:

• +5 for blogging about this giveaway (leave a link to the post with your comment).
• +2 for tweeting or mentioning the giveaway on facebook or myspace (just leave a link with your comment).

Just comment and let me know how many entries you have. The giveaway will close Friday, November 19th at midnight EST. I'll announce the winner, chosen by random.org, on Saturday, November 20th.

Thanks again!