Just in case you forgot...

To review or not to review...

Question today for readers and other authors alike - do you post book reviews?

If so, do you post them for every book you read, or just the ones you love, or just the ones you hate? Do you post reviews in exchange for free books from a publisher? Or do you post reviews from books you purchase? Or both?

And where do you post reviews, if you do? Amazon, B&N, your personal blog, facebook? Why do you choose the site you choose?

I'm just curious and gaining data on the topic for today. I'd love any feedback at all! :)

Scribble Chick palooza

Visit us today at Scribble Chicks to learn more about the craft of writing! We're always taking questions by the way, so if you have a craft question or writer/writing related question at all, come on over and ask!

http://www.scribblechicks.blogspot.com

It's the most wonderful time of the year...but not for my pants

It might be the most wonderful time of the year, but my jeans are totally not agreeing!

Anyone have any tips for scaling down during the holiday dessert blitz? I'm a SUCKER for desserts/sweets during Thanksgiving/Christmas. If it's there, I want to eat it. It's like leftover Halloween candy - an evil, deplorable temptation that must be succumbed to or thrown away. "Flee the devil" and such ;)

I've read articles that gave tips like suggesting a contrasting color plate will help you eat less. And putting your back to the buffet line. And using a dessert plate for meals. (um, wouldn't this just make you go back 3 times instead? hehe) Anyone thinks these tips actually work? Or am I just going to have to get old fashioned with discipline and say "no, I really DON'T need 395 cookies after all, even if they do have sprinkles and icing?"

Help a gal out!

Free books over here!!!

I'm trying not to overly cross promote my two blogs, but I'd really like for you to come over today and see me at Confessions Behind the Mask (http://www.writergetsreal.blogspot.com) and get real with Liz Johnson, a fabulous author and godly woman who is giving away TWO novels. Just leave a comment to enter! Free Christmas gifts, folks. Free Christmas gifts. ;)   She also contributed a wonderful, inspiring post I know you'll relate to. Come see us and sign up to win!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy turkey day! And uh pumpkin pie day! And oh yeah cranberry sauce day! And green bean casserole day!! And my-mom's-famous-tea-cake-cookies-with-powdered-sugar-icing-that-we-only-get-on-holidays-because-they're-such-a-headache-to-make day!!! :)

YAY!!!!

And happy gratitude day :)

Scribble Chicks and pet peeves

Visit me today at http://www.scribblechicks.blogspot.com while we talk about our biggest pet peeves in writing!

Do you like hunky Navy Seals?

Hmmm. I think my subject title sounds a little like a SPAM email. HAHAHA. Oops ;)

Seriously though, Liz Johnson's newest Love Inspired Suspense, A PROMISE TO PROTECT, has a hunky Navy Seal and soooo much more - relatable, three dimensional characters you immediately connect with, a side of quirky, realistic side characters that move the story forward, an excellent suspenseful plot with surprises, and plenty of romance.

I loved how Liz incorporated the Navy Seal "lingo" so naturally into the story, but in a way us civilians could still understand. It really gave the book a unique and interesting edge and showed how much she did her research.

About the book:

Navy SEAL Matt Waterstone knows about keeping people safe. When his best friend's sister is attacked, Matt promises no harm will come to Ashley Sawyer—not on his watch. But Matt's not the only protective one. Ashley will do anything to safeguard the residents of the battered women's shelter she runs. She's sure she can handle the threats she gets in return. What she can't handle is the way Matt scales the walls around her heart. Yet when she falls prey to a crime web far more sinister than she'd realized, trusting Matt could be the only way to survive….

This is one great story you definitely don't want to miss :)  The official release date is November 27th and your local Wal-Mart just might have it on the shelf a day or two early as they're known to do. The perfect, affordable, holiday read for your own shelf or to add to a Christmas gift. :)

Liz is a friend of mine and a talented writer. Check out her back list too at her website!

http://www.lizjohnsonbooks.com/

Sophia the first

This week is Thanksgiving and I'm starting the week with an attitude of gratitude. :)

Many on Facebook are doing a countdown every day of November until Thanksgiving with things they are thankful for. I haven't done that to date but it has made me pause and think of my blessings more than usual.

Today, one of the many things I'm thankful for is Sophia the first - the adorable Disney movie that premiered last night that my daughter had been eagerly awaiting for a month! We got to snuggle in the chair in PJ's and watch it together, and I didn't take a single second of it for granted. She was enthralled and I was content and it was a great night. The kind of moments that slip past if we don't stop to take them in, especially with our kids....wow.

What are you thankful for?

Catch more lessons in gratitude over at http://www.writergetsreal.blogspot.com today :)

I'm featuring author Cathy West on my new blog today over at http://www.writergetsreal.blogspot.com
If you've ever dealt with rejection, in or outside the writing industry, you don't want to miss this post. Come get real with me and Cathy! :)

Grace & Politics

So yesterday I sort of got myself in trouble on Facebook because in a rare moment, I vented about something political/spiritual. Should have seen that coming! I learned my lesson - not necessarily that I shouldn't ever share my opinions or views, but that I need to get ALL the facts straight, and need to pray before posting even if I'm well versed on the topic.

Basically, I vented about the Hobby Lobby controversy - you know, how they're being forced (along with other Christian businesses) to increase their insurance policies to include the morning after pill for employees. I've read a lot about the morning after pill over the past few years, and believed it to be the equivalent of an abortion pill.

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/hobby-lobby-sues-obama-administration-over-contraception-mandate-165356562.html

However, I was provided with a ton of info that actually contradicted that view. Some believe that to be true but medically/technically, the morning after pill is PREVENTATIVE. Not a "fix" if you're already pregnant from the night before. In essence, it's like a super big dose of a birth control pill.

Hobby Lobby said they were not opposed to birth control, but opposed to the morning after pill. They apparently see it differently. I guess it boils down to when you believe life is conceived.

Now there's FB sites dedicated to a Hobby Lobby boycott from upset women. I'm now wanting to spend ALL my money at Hobby Lobby because I'm so proud of them for standing up for their faith.

I'd love your opinions on this hairy topic! How do you see it?
(it's also really hard to trust 100% any news article you read on any topic lately, because it's so slanted)

Visit me today at Scribble Chicks!

Visit me today at Scribble Chicks and read some fiction craft tips on writing the opposite gender's POV (point of view) scenes.

www.scribblechicks.blogspot.com

Thanksgiving festivities

Apparently Thanksgiving is a big deal at preschool ;)

This week my Little Miss has a Thanksgiving feast, complete with wearing paper Pilgrim/Indian oufits (Are they still saying Indian in schools these days? Or is that not PC anymore? I guess it's Native Americans. Been really confusing trying to explain to her who Columbus is vs "but weren't the Indians there first?" Haha, leave it to the four year old to dive into the biggest debate in American history ::wink::), Turkey crafts, lessons in thankfulness, and...she got to disguise a turkey. 

Yep. They each had a turkey coloring page to design a disguise for, so the turkey wouldn't get gobbled up for Thanksgiving. It was hilarious. One student made hers into a Pinkalicious character (do you know those children stories?) another was a bat, and of course, Little Miss made hers into a Princess. It was quite glamorous. 

How fun! :)  I'm telling you, a week of "adult preschool" would probably bring world peace. I mean, really. Crafts. Snacks. Naps. Lessons in sharing and gratitude. Do you see my point?

What's your favorite part of Thanksgiving? Besides the pumpkin pie because that's just, like, a given ;)

Happy Veteran's Day!

On behalf of my Marine Granddaddy and a host of other friends in the military - 

HAPPY VETERAN'S DAY!!! 

God bless the troops :)

One of the best books I've ever read.

This was one of the best books I've ever read.

I know that's a bold statement, but seriously. I know part of it is due to the fact that Jim is a talented author, the story was suspenseful and driven and entertaining, and well written - but it was also largely due to the fact that I'm going through a personal storm right now that really related for me, so the content of this story is dear to my heart and urged me on in a way I needed - in a way God knew I needed. Such a blessing.

Let me assure you, God is using Jim Rubart in the fiction industry, and you really don't want to miss this story. I can't wait for the rest of the series. I hope you give it a chance, even if it's not your typical genre :)

Book Info

About Soul's Gate:    Book 1 in the Well Spring series. "Every now and then we get a break from reality. A glimpse into the other world that is more real than the reality we live in 99 percent of our days. The Bible is about a world of demons and angels and great evil and even greater glory." What if you could travel inside another person's soul? To battle for them. To be part of Jesus healing their deepest wounds. To help set them free to step boldly into their divinely designed future. Thirty years ago that's exactly what Reece Roth did. Until tragedy shattered his life and ripped away his future. Now God has drawn Reece out of the shadows to fulfill a prophecy spoken over him three decades ago. A prophecy about four warriors with the potential to change the world . . . if Reece will face his deepest regret and teach them what he has learned. They gather at a secluded and mysterious ranch deep in the mountains of Colorado, where they will learn to see the spiritual world around them with stunning clarity-and how to step into the supernatural. Their training is only the beginning. The four have a destiny to pursue a freedom even Reece doesn't fully fathom. But they have an enemy hell-bent on destroying them and he'll stop at nothing to keep them from their quest for true freedom and the coming battle of souls.   Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/eGyGA   Meet Jim: James L. Rubart is a professional marketer, speaker, and writer. While being the owner of Barefoot Marketing certainly keeps him on his toes, his passion is writing fiction. Rubart is an ECPA best-selling author who has been positively reviewed by both Publisher's Weekly and Romantic Times. His first novel,Rooms, won a Best Books 2011 award from USA Book News, as well as a Romantic Times Book Reviews Reviewers Choice Award. His debut release was followed by Book of Days and The Chair. Soul's Gate is Rubart's fourth release. In addition to being an author, Rubart is also a photographer, guitarist, professional speaker, golfer and semi-pro magician. With all of this, he says that he barely sleeps. Rubart lives with his wife and sons in the Pacific Northwest. Find out more about Jim at http://jimrubart.com/.    ***To save the photos above to use on your blog, please right click on the photo and "save as".

Blog Tour Schedule

Landing page: http://litfusegroup.com/author/JRubart Win an iPad Mini from @JimRubart and RSVP for his Live Video Chat {11/13}! The first book in best-selling author Jim Rubart's new series, Soul's Gate, releases on November 6th! To celebrate, Jim has teamed up with his publisher, Thomas Nelson, for a virtual book tour, iPad Mini giveaway and a Live Video Author Chat {11/13}. Watch the video trailer for the book here.   One "soulful" winner will receive: A brand new iPad Mini Soul's Gate by Jim Rubart {Be caught up in this captivating series.} Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 12th. Winner will be announced at the "Soul's Gate Author Chat Party on 11/13. Connect with Jim for an evening of book chat, trivia, and a live video chat! There will also be a chance to win gift certificates, books, and other fun prizes! So grab your copy of Soul's Gate and join Jim on the evening of the November 13th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 13th!

WOW!

Please come read my big praise report on www.writergetsreal.blogspot.com today :)

Fall fun

Take this fall fun quiz here: http://www.blogthings.com/whatpumpkintreatareyouquiz/

My results: (Yeah pretty much....)

PUMPKIN LATTE (mmmmm)

You are energetic and fun loving. You get into the spirit of every season, but fall is definitely your favorite time. You are excited for the change of seasons, and you love the spirit and togetherness it brings. You love to do everything related to fall - whether it's celebrating Halloween and Thanksgiving or going to check out the changing leaves.You truly immerse yourself in the season. You always miss autumn when it's gone, but you make the most of it while it's here. 

What'd you get? Yay for Autumn!!!

Another winner from Bethany House

Book Info

About Courting Cate:  When This Couple Gets to Courting, Sparks Will Fly! In Paradise, Pennsylvania, Cate Miller is known more for her sharp tongue and fiery temper than her striking appearance. Her sweet and flirty sister, Betsy, on the other hand, seems to have attracted most of the bachelors in Lancaster County! But the sisters' wealthy father has made one hard-and-fast rule: older Cate must marry first, before younger Betsy can even start courting. Unfortunately, untamable Cate has driven away every suitor-until Pete Treger comes to town, that is. Prodded by the men of the area, Pete turns his attention to winning Cate's hand. But is his interest true or is there a scheme at play? Book 1 in The Courtships of Lancaster County series.  Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/eSNfb  Meet Leslie:   Leslie Gould is the co-author, with Mindy Starns Clark, of the #1 bestselling The Amish Midwife and The Amish Nanny. She is also the author of numerous novels, including Garden of Dreams, Beyond the Blue (winner of the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice for Best Inspirational Novel, 2006), and Scrap Everything. She holds an MFA in creative writing from Portland State University and has taught fiction writing at Multnomah University as an adjunct professor. She resides with her husband and four children in Portland, Oregon.  Learn more at www.lesliegould.com.

Blog Tour Schedule

Landing page: http://litfusegroup.com/author/LGould My review: This was like an Amish version of the movie 10 Things I Hate About You ;)  Remember that teen flick? hehe. Anyway, this was a really fun, insightful read that reveals a lot about a culture many of us still  view as a mystery. I admit I haven't been a huge fan of Amish fiction in the past but my thoughts there are changing, especially after novels like this one! :)   Leslie's fresh, realistic writing style, and her whimsical, intriguing dialogue make this a fast read! So give it a try - you won't be disappointed! **I received this book for free from the publisher  in exchange for an honest review ** BUT WAIT - there's more :) Kindle Fire Giveaway from @LeslieGould! RSVP for Facebook Party {11/20} POST CODE: A retelling of the Taming of the Shrew! Leslie Gould is celebrating the release of Courting Cate with a fun Kindle Fire Giveaway and a Facebook Author Chat Party (11/20)! One lucky winner will receive: A Kindle Fire Courting Cate by Leslie Gould Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 19th. Winner will be announced at the "Courting Cate" Author Chat Facebook Party on 11/20. Connect with Leslie, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at an Amish trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)! So grab your copy of Courting Cate and join Leslie on the evening of the November 20th for a chance to connect with Leslie and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!) Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 20th!

A day in the life of...

In case you were wondering...

This is the life of an author - I sit down to finally write today after voting, grocery shopping, preparing a crock pot dinner, and playing outside with Little Miss, and realize I've lost my thumb drive. 

After a half hour or more of mass panic, desperate searching, frantic phone calls, name calling (about myself) and Little Miss following me around speaking gloom ("I think its gone forever Mama") 

I finally find it in a random pocket of my purse. I look up in glee only to see Little Miss holding a glow-in-the-dark bracelet, purple sparkle gel smeared across forehead and clumped over her lip like a little Hitler mustache, standing atop glowing carpet. "Mama I think there's a leak." 

Why yes. I concur.

A few links to share :)

A few links to share this week:

First of all, I hope you'll visit me WEDNESDAY at Scribble Chicks. http://www.scribblechicks.blogspot.com

Also, my monthly column for Nicole O'Dell's Choose Now ministry is live NOW. View it here: http://nicoleodell.com/betsy-st-amant-on-good-girls/  (The Pressure's Off) I hope this topic is timely not just for teen girls for women everywhere (even men for that matter)

Also, I'll be posting again at GIRLS, GOD AND THE GOOD LIFE on the 10th of November :)  http://www.girlsgodgoodlife.blogspot.com

Don't forget my new blog, where my heart's content is going right now, is now launched, alive and well at http://www.writergetsreal.blogspot.com   :)

I know this is a lot of content and a lot of links, guys, but hopefully you'll take the time to glimpse the content before dismissing it. In today's busy time and culture, we simply can't read everything that crosses our path. I understand that and have to pick and choose myself. But keep an open mind and heart so that you will view the items God DOES have for you - whether that's mine or someone else's sites.

Blessings on your Monday!

Social media blur

Okay, social media is uh...available. I get that. But what sites do you find the most productive? The most helpful? The most entertaining? (and are your answers to those questions even the same?)

Between Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google Connect, Instagram, Shoutlife, Myspace (is that even still there? LOL) and blogs and Goodreads and the works, which do you utilize the most and why?

I've narrowed it down myself to Facebook and Twitter (mostly). I've found this more user friendly and quick.

What do you think?

Tis the season

So today I'm heading to shop. Christmas shop! Woot woot! Who's with me? ;)

No really. There's this awesome fair in Texas that is held once a month where vendors come and bring their homemade (or not) goodies, everything from home decor to snacks to kitchenware to purses and jewelry and wallets to clothing and scarves and wrapping paper and furniture and baby items and...giant corn dogs on a stick!!!!

It's a fried food/shopping lover's paradise. Come on. You know you're jealous ;)

Seriously - on the down side, it's going to be 85 degrees or hotter, and insanely crowded with other corn dog loving shoppers looking for bargains. But hey, I think it's worth the risk. And there's always some homemade salsa that's worth the "are you kidding me" price tag.

Do you have anything like that in your area of town? Have you started Christmas shopping yet? Do you shop online, out of town, or in town?

Update....

Hey friends!

I'm not abandoning this blog, I will still be doing book reviews and sporadic posts and fun quizzes, it just might not be every day as before. I hope you will come subscribe to my new blog as a follower though and keep up with my more indepth, personal posts there. That's where my heart will be.

http://www.writergetsreal.blogspot.com

There's already a lot going on over there including a giveaway! So come sign up for free books and get ready to get real with Jesus :)  Partner with me?