LOST

by Crystal on February 2, 2010

lost-season-6-episode-1So, I’m a big LOST fan. Can’t wait for the final season to kick off tonight. Other than the minor challenge of trying to remember where the heck we left off (who’s where, who’s when, who’s dead, who’s alive), I’m all set to dive back into the island and all its mystery.

But speaking of LOST, there are always things that get lost in the shuffle…. you know, when things get crazy busy and you (okay, well me) can’t seem to get it all together.

Things begin to fall by the wayside. For me, those things include:

- My DVR (which is so loaded up with past episodes of my favorite non-LOST shows that I just might throw in the towel on all of them. There are so many, my DVR comes on with a warning that unless I make some serious time for vegging out and catching up, I’m actually OUT OF SPACE. So hundreds of hours of TV are just sitting there waiting on me to get my shit together. And I just might give them all up, as I pledge to sit down and watch TV tonight, live, when LOST returns. Remember the day when you had no choice but to watch it live? My DVR just makes me lazy and a procrastinater. I’m starting to hate it. I have DVR rage.)

- My teeth (who has time for flossing anyway? you don’t see the islanders on LOST flossing their teeth?)

jillian-michaels-30-day-shred- My body (case in point: three new Jillian Michaels DVDs that guarantee me killer abs and a much needed 30-day-Shed that I got for the New Year are still sitting in their orignal package here on the floor – Jillian Michaels, and her solid rock body, mocking me from her spot next to a bag of miniature Snickers.

- My blog. Yes, I know…I have not updated it in centuries. I have not done my Must Read Monday List or everyone’s favorite Thursday Must List in ages. I haven’t posted in so long, I started getting emails asking if I was in rehab.

So, here I am, tryng to get back all that gets lost in the shuffle when things are super busy. And they are busy (which is a good thing for my clients) It’s not like I’ve been sitting around on my couch in front of my DVR, people!

To catch you up on what’s been keeping me away, check out all this great news from BookSparksPR. And thanks for hanging in there.

piecesofhappilyeverafaterPieces is now at Target
Congrats to the fabulous Irene Zutell! Her book, Pieces of Happily Ever After, is now availalbe at Target stores! And check out this fun contest over at the celebrity gossip site, Have U Heard, where you can enter to win one of five copies of Pieces of Happily Ever After.

lizandlisaExtreme makeover Chick Lit edition
The fantastic Chick Lit Duo of the Year award goes to….Liz and Lisa! I can hardly believe it’s been a year since the launch of Chick Lit is not Dead, and the ladies are celebrating their anniversary with a super sexy, fun makeover. Check out the newly improved – and always freaking fabulous – Chick Lit is not Dead. And tell us what you think of the new look. Liz and Lisa will be doing several fun giveaways on the blog this month in celebration of their anniversary (they already gave away a Blackberry!). And, today they have New York Times best-selling author Kristin Hannah dishing about her new book, Winter Garden, and 5 Things You Didn’t Know about her.

Live_It_Love_It_Earn_It_FRONTMarianna’s book is a huge hit
Money expert, life coach, mother, and now best-selling author! Marianna Olszewski’s new book to empower women – Live it! Love it! Earn it! – is an official best-seller. Her fabulous book is not just about finances and falling in love with your money, it’s about making your dreams a reality – or what Marianna likes to call “going fuzzy to firm”. No matter what your goals are – save more money, start a new business, find a husband – she’s got great tools and tips that have been proven to work. And she’s a great example. Congrats, Marianna!

opposite-of-me-cover_low Countdown to publication
Last, but not least, author Sarah Pekkanen is coming in on the home stretch as she waits for her big debut. The Opposite of Me hits stores on March 9th -the clock is ticking and the excitement is brewing! You can pre-order from Amazon (it’s the perfect book for your Spring Break plans!)

And, become a fan of Sarah Pekkanen on Facebook or subscribe to her monthly newsletter so you’ll be up to speed on all the great things happening around the launch of The Opposite of Me.

Today, like every Tuesday, Sarah’s over at The Debutante Ball blogging – this one is about the story behind her fabulous book cover.

Have a great day everyone!

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Thursday Must-List

by Crystal on October 15, 2009

It’s literally cold enough in the midwest today for winter coats … my feet are perpetually cold. I am chilled to the bone. I am fantasizing about Phoenix weather and sand between my toes. I am drinking coffee all day instead of just first thing in the morning. And today I’m being continuously interrupted by my comedic five-year-old and his impersonation of the president from the Monsters v. Aliens movie. He keeps coming up to me and pretending he’s sipping from my coffee cup, and says “Oh, that’s a good cup ‘o joe,” and rubs his tummy. (If you’re a friend on Facebook, you saw the video!) And how can you not stop what you are doing and laugh at this?

So, finally, despite numerous interruptions, here is this week’s Thursday Must-List!

Shiver_Final_CoverVampires v. Werewolves
With all the Twilight hype on the upcoming release of New Moon, fans are picking sides. Are you Team Edward or Team Jacob? Well, I happen to adore both and I am ….Team Sam. Who? Sam, my new favorite wolf. Check out my article on Vampires v. Werewolves to read more about Sam – a wolf who comes to us from the magically fantastical mind of Maggie Stiefvater in her new comtemporary fantasy novel Shiver.

And here is the New Moon trailer I reference in the article, the one that Gave. Me. Goose. Bumps.

AlyssThe Looking Glass Wars
I recently had the chance to interview movie producer of There’s Something About Mary and author behind The Looking Glass Wars trilogy – a fantastical and utterly creative genius this man, Frank Beddor, and so very warm and friendly. The third book in the trilogy – Arch Enemy - is out today. I will post my story when it comes out, but meantime, you can learn more about The Looking Glass Wars and Frank Beddor.

Everyone in my house is devouring these books and the world Beddor created in the series – which all started when he came across an incomplete deck of cards in a British museum that reminded him of Alice in Wonderland. Beddor’s Alyss and Wonderlandia will BLOW you away. And for young adults who are reluctant readers – both boys and girls – Beddor and his trilogy (and accompanying graphic novels, virtual games and fantastical world) is your answer.

Bent Objects
Since this list seems to be continuing along the line of …out there (vampires, werewolves, the bizarre and fantastical world created from Alice and Wonderland), I wanted to share this …er, interesting book I was emailed about this week from an Indianapolis area author, Terry Border, whose passion for Bent Objects has now been made into a book. Somehow, I think I need to meet the person behind this.

Here’s the book trailer…

Uhm…. Happy Thursday, y’all!

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Must-Read Monday

by Crystal on October 13, 2009

Must-Read Monday (Tuesday edition)

So, I’m a bit behind the eight ball today. Which is good. It means I’m busy…which is better than that alternative, I suppose. Lots of great stuff going on that I can’t wait to share…. and lots to read these last few days. It was hard choosing just a few must-reads.

But, here goes:

TiernanFamilyMom in the City
I recently re-connected with a college friend of mine on Facebook. We both graduated from ASU J-School together (Go Devils!) and both dated Sigma Chi frat boys. Needless to say, times have changed and now we’re both busy moms with a shared passion for writing.

She sent me a wonderful story she wrote on leaving suburban life behind and heading back into the city where she belongs – a tough choice she recently made with her family, but the right one for them. Read her article, Mom in the City: Leaving the Suburbs, and let her know what you think and where your family thrives.

NicholasEffect15thAnnivEditionThe Nicholas Effect
This wonderful story breaks my heart and gives me hope at the same time. Read about one family’s tragedy in losing their son Nicholas – who has become known as the boy who saved thousands of lives. And think about it, could you do what they did? It’s a tough subject, but an important one. When you leave your comments on the story, you could win one of 7 copies of the book we’re giving away.

Ruined_CoverRuined giveaway
Speaking of giveaways, author Paula Morris is guest blogging over at SheKnows about her teen ghost story -Ruined. Read about how Paula came up with her love story set in New Orleans, her love of Wuthering Heights and enter to win the Ruined giveaway: a cool digital camera and autographed copy of the book. And check out the Ruined book trailer as well.

piecesofhappilyeverafaterJulia Roberts Scandal
Want to know how Irene Zutell came up with the idea for her new novel Pieces of Happily Ever After? Well, it all started with a Julia Roberts scandal.

Irene dishes about the scandal and her book over at My Daily Find.

First paragraph contest
Speaking of how a book gets started, check out this fun contest on the best first paragraph challenge. Put on by Curtis Brown literary agent, Nathan Bransford, on his popular publishing blog for writers and industry peeps, the Third Sort-of Annual Stupendously Ultimate First Paragraph Challenge is going on until this Thursday at 4 p.m. PST.

The_Secret_YearYou could win your choice of a partial critique, query critique, or phone consultation with Nathan on your work in progress and a copy of The Secret Year by Nathan’s client, debut author Jennifer Hubbard, which will be published by Viking in January 2010. The book is a young adult novel about a secret love affair between two teenagers – being touted as mixing the romance of Romeo and Juliet with the violence of The Outsiders.

I’ve read The Secret Year for an upcoming review I’m doing, and Hubbard is one to watch. Her subdued voice throughout the book reminded me of one of my favs (Curtis Sittenfeld) – Hubbard pushes and pulls you in subtle ways you can’t put your finger on, with emotions and realizations simmering just below the surface and, at times, crashing into you like the river in the novel. It’s a must-read and I look forward to Hubbard’s career.

So, enter Nathan’s fun contest, and maybe you’ll win the chance for some advice from him on your career as well.

Okay, Happy Monday …er, Tuesday, y’all.

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Thursday-Must List

by Crystal on October 8, 2009

This week has completely flown by and I’m shocked that it’s already time for my Thursday-Must List again!

Thursday-Must List

FordWarriorCapWarriors in Pink
I had such a great interview with some folks at Ford yesterday about the AMAZING things they are doing for Breast Cancer Awareness (for October and beyond.) For 15 years, Ford has supported Susan G. Komen and breast cancer awareness. Their line up of Warriors in Pink apparel is rockin’ – so no matter how you are supporting this great cause, you can look good doing it. Check out their Warriors in Pink site and apparel. My fav is this Warrior Cap but I love the Warrior t-shirt, the new scarf and so many of the items! Follow Ford’s Warriors in Pink on Twitter.

And check out these 10 other great pink products that support breast cancer awareness.

dana-hooperDana’s story
Speaking of breast cancer, I want to introduce you to fab mom, wife, career woman, reality star and breast cancer survivor, Dana Hooper. I’ve had the honor to get to know Dana over the last several months through the Real Moms reality show I help promote – Dana is one of four real AZ moms from the show. She went public about her breast cancer on the show and is such an inspiration to all. Please check out Dana’s story and watch her on season one of RealMomsGuide.

books_SleepNoMore_coverAuthor Susan Crandall
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of meeting women’s romance and suspense novelist Susan Crandall for lunch. I’m doing a feature on her for The Indianapolis Star. We met in person not too far from her Indiana hometown and talked about her 9 books, reading, writing, growing up in Indiana and so many wonderful things. Her newest book – Sleep No More - will be published soon and I devoured it in hours. It’s got everything women want: suspense, romance, danger, passion and characters that are relatable, going through real-life things. You can stop by Susan’s site to register for a chance to win a copy of her new book (beware, however, once you read it you will want to immediately go out and buy all 8 of her other books). Also, several of you have already taken my advice to become a fan of Susan Crandall on Facebook, so thank you! If you haven’t, please become a fan of Susan Crandall here. And follow Susan Crandall on Twitter. You will love her work!

birthday-ck-1054822-lBirthdays
Today is my aunt’s birthday – my aunt who I adore. My aunt who bought me my first bra, embarrassed me in front of high school boyfriends, shares my love of reading, helped me plant a garden. My aunt who showed so much love and forgiveness and grace when my dad died – who also made me get up and dance in front of all the old folks at the nursing home because life is what it is and sometimes you just got to dance. So Happy Birthday Auntie!

And speaking of birthdays, my fast friend, Chick Lit Is Not Dead blogger, and client Liz Fenton has this funny and relatable post on her husband’s Birthday Blunder that is a must-read. Not only did it make me laugh, it made me realize I am also high maintenance when it comes to birthdays and gifts. Thank you for the laugh Liz.

Happy Thursday, y’all!

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Thursday-Must List

October 1, 2009

Time again for my Thursday-Must List – my picks for things you must read, see and know about this week.
Glee
I’m still singing this Beyonce song and laughing about the opening of last week’s Glee. Can’t wait to catch up on last night’s new episode on my DVR.

Dancing with – and rooting for – Kelly [...]

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Must-Read Monday

September 28, 2009

The autumn chill has kicked in full force where I am today, so this will be brief (After all, I need to get back on the couch under my warm fuzzy blanket and catch up on my DVR episodes of Brothers & Sisters and Mad Men!)
So, without further ado, Must-Read Monday:
#1 City Dog by Alison [...]

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It’s Saturday and I wish I was….

September 26, 2009

Saturday morning chaos has subsided in my household (big kids are outside playing and baby is down for a nap), and I have a moment to relax before I start baking. Yes, baking. I am no Paula Deen, but I can hold my own in the kitchen. I’m going to make my mother in law’s [...]

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Thursday Must List

September 24, 2009

Remember the good old days of Must-See TV on Thursdays? My college roomies and I never missed an episode of Friends…. it was such a fun ritual: a few snacks, a few beers, good friends and great laughs.
So, I wanted to put together a fun Thursday Must List of my own in honor of those [...]

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Novice authors must promote themselves, since publishers won’t

September 24, 2009

I’m posting a story from today’s Washington Post about authors tooting their own horns online. As I’ve blogged about before – and as this article backs up – most authors need to be self-promoting online where social media opens doors for instant, ongoing contact and conversations to expand fanbase and readership.
The pitfall is the fact [...]

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Book Publicity: It’s Never Too Early for Social Skills

September 15, 2009

A look at social media, authors and publicity

I recently interviewed Audrey Niffenegger, author of The Time Traveler’s Wife, and I asked her if she tweets, or plans to, and how she feels about fans who want more from her. After all, she barely has a website. I also asked for her thoughts on the Facebook [...]

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