What's Happening in My World

Quote of the Week: Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try. From one of my favorites, Dr. Seuss

This week has started off super. One of my favorite things to do is enter contests for book giveaways. Now, I'm not usually a lucky person. I seldom win anything. Recently, however, I've been on a streak and have won some amazing books. I won't list all  of them, but hope to write reviews later, when I find a couple more hours to add to each day. I will mention the latest, however. Three authors with books just out or coming out had a Valentine's Day Contest. You had to finish the poem "Roses are red..." and post on their blogs. So many people entered I thought I had little chance of winning. But it was fun, so I did. Around noon today, I decided to see who won. AND MY NAME WAS LISTED. Woo hoo! Surprise. I also win handmade Valentines by the authors. How cool is that. No covers to show you, but here are the titles I'll be reading shortly:

The Espressologist   by Kristina Springer
Stupid Cupid  by Rhonda Stapleton
A Match Made in High School  by Kristin Walker

Thanks to the authors for their books. Just from the titles, I know I'll enjoy them.
Yay for contests.

The next thing on my agenda is new contracts. I've had a bit of luck (paired with lots of hard work and hair pulling out) and now have signed three contracts for future books.

September 2009:  Frankie's Perfect Home, PB, Guardian Angel Publishin
October 2009:  Scattered to the Winds, MG historical, Twilight Times Books
February 2010:  Life on Hold, YA contemporary, 4 RV Publishing LLC

That should keep me busy for a while.

Happy Reading and Writing, Everlyyone.

Muse 2010

Have you ever wanted to attend a conference, but none were close by your town, or they cost a fortune, or you have small children or pets you can't leave? If so, then The Muse Online Writers Conference is for you. Here's a little of what you'll experience when you sign up:

WORKSHOPS

1.  12 Stages of the Writer's Adventure with Beth Barany, based on The Hero's Journey.
2.  An introduction to Social Media, Jo Linsdell.
3.  Blog Your Way to Recognition, Joyce Anthony.
4.  Characters You Love to Hate: Creating Villainous Villains for Kids and Teens, Beverly Stowe McClure (That's me.
And so much more.

PITCHES

No, I'm not talking about baseball. Do you have a manuscript ready to submit, but aren't sure where to send it? Publishers and Agents will be ready to hear your pitches, so start working on them now. October will arrive before you know it.

CHATS

Do you like to talk with other people who understand about writing? Then you've come to the right place. You'll find plenty of opportuniteis to chat with publishers, agents, editors, authors, and readers.

Sounds good, huh? I haven't told you the best part yet. Ready? Okay.

THE CONFERENCE IS FREE. YES. FREE.

Donations are accepted, but not required.

So what are you waiting for. Set aside Oct. 11-17 for you. Then hop on over to The Muse Online Conference and sign up. You'll be glad you did. See you in October.

Good News!

Thought for the Week: Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined. Thoreau

A big, big thanks to everyone who voted for Just Breeze in the Preditors and Editors Readers' Poll. I'm excited to say she was second in Young Adult Novel, fifth in Cover Art (thanks to the talented Aidana WillowRaven), and eighth in Illustrated Art that I didn't know she was in until toward the end. You did it, friends. Just Breeze is excited. I am excited. See the lovely award.

I appreciate your support.

Pages and Pens Newsltetter

Quote for the Week: Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself. George Bernard Shaw
                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                                                              

The winter issue of PAGES AND PENS newsletter is now out.

Read about authors and their school visits.

Read kids' reviews of books.

Stories

Poetry

Activites

And so much more

Download your free copy here today.

Cheryl Malandrinos - Editor in chief

VS Grenier - Animal Talk Editor

Renee Hand - Cryptogram Corner Editor

Donna M. McDine - Contributor

Margaret (Peggy) Fieland - Contributor

Musing Our Children is affiliated with The Muse Online Writers Conference

Lea Schizas

The Circle of Friends

L. Diane Wolfe's January newsletter is out. If you subscribe to her newsletter, you'll see that I am her Special Feature. Thank you, Diane. if you don't subscribe, you should. Here's a little of what you'll find this month:

News & Updates 

Book V of The Circle of Friends series will soon be out. Would you like to get a copy a month early? Well, you can. She's having a contest. To see how you can win, visit her blog at Circle of Friends.

You also can find where Diane will be appearing next.

Doesn't Book V - Heather look great?

Oh, yes. Here's a little about me.

When Beverly was a child, she hated to read. Even though her eighth-grade teacher sent her poem "Stars" to a high school anthology, and it was published in Young America Sings, she hated to write. In spite of her rocky relationship with books, she attended Midwestern University, graduated, and became a teacher. Reading Dr. Seuss and other great children's books to her sons and to her students made her realize what she'd been missing: reading was fun. Now, she reads and she also writes. Her stories and articles have been published in leading children's magazines. One article was reprinted in a Scott Foresman PreK/K Anthology. Her "Breakthrough" article appeared in the June 2007 issue of Writer Magazine. She has four novels published: Listen to the Ghost, Secrets I Have Kept, Rebel in Blue Jeans, and Just Breeze. Six more of her stories are under contract.

Beverly lives in the country with her husband and cat, where deer, skunks, and armadillos occasionally visit. Her three sons are grown and have given her lovely grandchildren.

Have a super weekend, everyone.

You're Invited to a Party

Quote for the week: Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars. Brian Littrell

Now here's the scoop on the party.

Jean Reidy is having a party!!!


TOO PURPLEY! ONLINE OPEN HOUSE

When: 1/25-1/31, 2010

Where: www.jeanreidy.com

Who: Anyone who loves children's books

What: Party favors, Door prizes, games, videos and more!!

Teachers/Librarians - win a 30 minute Skype author visit or The Grand Prize TOO PURPLEY! Package.

Authors - win a Picture Book Peek Critique



Please help me spread the word. If you announce my party on Twitter, Facebook, your website or your blog, I'll repay the favor and link to your site from the party. Just let me know at reidy.jean@gmail.com so I can post the link in time.

Write About Now blog by Sherrie Petersen

Cruise on over to Write About Now blog by Sherrie Petersen http://solvangsherrie.blogspot.com/2010/01/spotlight-on-indedebut-2010-authors.html and learn all about the authors of Indie-Debut 2010.


Thanks for your interest!