Wishing You a Very Merry Christmas

Hello all!

I would like to wish you a truly magnificent Christmas and holiday season. For my post today, I thought this song would bring joy and the true meaning of Christmas into your hearts.

Enjoy.

Hugs

 

Writing Jewels

Christmastime: A Beautiful Time of the Year

During this time of the year, there are so many enjoyable activities that tempt our holiday fancy.

 

It is a beautiful time of the year!

 

I'm going to spend my time doing the following activities:

Relax like these cute pups...



 Spend time with loved ones...

Read...

 

Perhaps read some more...

Put a puzzle together...

Watch Fringe...

And write...

 This is going to be the life.

 

What are you doing during Christmastime?

 

Merry Christmas to all and to all happy writing!

 

Hugs

Writing Jewels

What the Body Needs...

I attended an essential oils party. I had used a particular oil this company produces some years ago and was only going to purchase it. That was not to be the case.

 

With a stroke of pure destiny and, I think, a miracle from God, the presenter randomly brought up an oil that she normally doesn't discuss. She passed around the bottle and said we all could taste it. The moment the oil registered with my taste buds, I knew, absolutely KNEW, my body needed this herb. Because of my excitement, the presenter read what the oil is used for.

 

Oddly enough, it helps with so many physical ailments I have suffered with for over a decade. A little while later, she read from another book of how it can help emotionally. I almost started crying by how spot on it was for me and what I struggle with on a daily basis.

 

Obviously, I ordered a bottle of it with high hopes that it will aid in my physical and emotional well-being. I did this because my body reacted so clearly that it was for me. I bought it because I need greater motivation in so many areas of my life, especially writing.

 

This "party" I attended was heaven sent. An essential oil might improve my bodily pains, energy level, clarity, confidence, and so many other aspects of my life.

 

My eyes cloud over with emotion as I type this. I want to share my stories that are kept prisoner in my brain; my mind that more often than not holds me back. I want to be free. My body must know a path to offer me that freedom. The freedom to create. The simple act of tasting an oil has opened my mind to the possibility of liberation. Sigh.

 

I hope it works! I will keep you posted. :)

 

What are your thoughts on the body knowing what it needs? Has giving your body what it needs set you free so you can fully embrace your talents and ultimately life? Has it helped your writing?

 

Hugs

 

Writing Jewels

IWSG: "Dam" These Insecurities

It's December! Yay! And the first week, to boot. That means it's Insecure Writers' Support Group Wednesday. Click here for more information about the amazing IWSG.

 

This month I'd like to share some "dam goat" pictures found at this link.

 

Amazing, huh? Talk about the hooves on those goats. They must walk in some sticky sap before they scale that steep climb.

 

How does this relate to my writing insecurity? Sometimes I feel like other writers can scale the writing climb better than I can. I'm not like the goats who can get all the way up there and hang on. I'm not strong enough or talented enough or good enough.

 

Or blah blah blah blah...

 

This is my insecurity in so many areas of my life. It sucks. Why can't I feel like I'm good enough? "Dam" this feeling of inadequacy.

 

Do you have these feelings? Are you struggling to keep climbing or staying put without falling off the writing roller coaster?

 

Hugs

 

Writing Jewels

A Little Fun: The Day of the Doctor

I'm a Doctor Who fan.

 

Yes, the Doctor is pretty much the coolest. Bow ties and fezzes are too.

 

Well, I feel privileged that I was able to see the 50th anniversary showing of Doctor Who: Day of the Doctor in the theater.

 

 

Here's a photo of my ticket stub:

 

The movie was an hour and twenty-five minutes worth of AWESOME!

 

And there were tons of people dressed up for the event. I have no idea "Who" these kids are but tons of people (me included) took pics of them in their brilliant costumes:

 

 

Adorable!!!

 

It was fantastic to be in a theater room full of hundreds of Whovians. The energy was thick in the air and the laughing and gasping and all of the above brought happiness to my soul.

 

My favorite parts were as follows:

 

1. The Doctor (David Tennant) holds up the little box and says: "It's a machine that goes ding."

2. The Doctor (David Tennant) and the Doctor (Matt Smith) appreciate each others' spectacles.

3. The beginning bit where the Doctor (Matt Smith) thinks the movie is going to be in 12D, not 3D. 

 

I plan on attending the 75th and 100th anniversaries too. This show will make it, especially since it has made it this far. It is the longest running sci-fi TV show. Bam! 

 

Have you seen this movie or the show? What are your favorite TV shows that you would love to see in the movie theater?

 

Hugs

 

Writing Jewels

Are Authors the New Rock Stars?

I don't know how middle and high schoolers are now, but books weren't the high topic at the lunch table back then for me, and I don't remember hearing much discussion from my peers. My crowd enjoyed music, like a ton! I'll admit it, when I read, it was for class; it wasn't for fun.

Sadly enough, I didn't really start loving words until I read the Harry Potter series and then came the Twilight Saga. That's when my book collection started and I haven't stopped devouring words since.

Was literature discussed as much before Harry Potter? I assume so; however, it seems like reading is the talk of the town now, and in all age ranges, to boot.

Many movies these days are brought to a theater near you because of books. Goodreads floods the internet with countless reviews to tempt our reading fancy. E-books are available at the click of the mouse.  

Has reading taken over the world on a higher scale than it was ten or fifteen years ago? If so, great! If not, no worries!

Are authors the new rock stars? I'd agree with that statement. 

Hugs

Writing Jewels

Etymology Fun

If you know me (of which you most definitely should *wink wink*), you know I love dogs. I giggle whenever I see one on the street. Of course, I have to live vicariously through others to get my doggy fix.

That happened the other day at work. I heard a coworkers say, "There's a dog outside." What did I do instantly? I booked it to the door to catch a glimpse of the four-legged buddy... and yes, to play with the little guy. After being pawed, licked, playing "come here" for a couple minutes, and asking the owner thepup’s name, I went back to work twenty shades of happy.

This got my cubicle mate and me chatting about dogs and it led to Pit Bulls. I brought up how this breed of dog, I've heard, is a rather nice dog. They've gotten a bad rap over the years. She brought up one of the ways the Pit Bull received it's name: because they would be placed in the pit with bulls to calm them down enough for the owners to handle them. Of course, the dog would bite the bull on the nose until it calmed down. So. Pit. andBull. Interesting, huh? There are other ways that this breed may have received its name--all cruel, if you ask me.

This got me thinking of word etymology. It is intriguing how words came into being.

I decided to Google funny or strange word etymologies. The one I found most interesting is on a site called Listverse. Click HERE to view it.

My favorite from this list was "Jargon". Let's just say I had a college professor who loved to "hide behind unintelligible gobbledegook."

What are some of your favorite word etymologies? Were you surprised by any of the word etymologies on Listverse?

Hugs

Writing Jewels

IWSG: Where's the Muse?

Wow, is it really November already? I feel like I just posted my October Insecure Writers' Support Group post. The first Wednesday of the month has arrived. Again. Time is flying too fast.

For more information about IWSG click HERE.

My insecurity this month is about my muse... or lack thereof.

 

Has my moment of words passed?

 

Talk about being insecure, right?

 

Multiple stories swirl in my mind, but to actually complete another book seems like climbing Mt. Everest--minus the frost bit nose and toes falling off. Thank heavens.

 

I know I will continue writing, but some days, man, it's just tough. Motivation rippled through my body and soul for years, and now... Well, now, where is it?

 

Perhaps other things are taking precedence, or I just need to give myself a good kick in the butt. Who knows, but I still have my ideas, and maybe I don't need to write them all in a year. I've got time. Time is on my side.

 

Thanks for letting me vent this insecurity. It has been plaguing me for quite some time now and causes great stress on my brain. No fun at all.

 

Do you feel this way sometimes? How do you pull yourself out of this awful place?

 

Hugs

 

Writing Jewels

Halloween Post... Um... A little Late

Hi friends!

 

I mentioned a couple posts ago I had a supercool Halloween costume in the works. Well, I wish you a belated Halloween from...

 

The Tardis

 

Yup, this shows just how dorky I am, but I will declare my love for Doctor Who any day!

 

If you do not know what the Tardis is, I will explain.

 

It is Doctor Who's time traveling police box that can take him anywhere in time or space. Pretty nifty, eh?

 

And it is bigger on the inside than on the outside.

 

Tardis stands for "Time and Relative Dimension in Space."

 

And is quite possibly the coolest space machine. Like. Ever.

 

I hope you enjoy my rendition of the amazing box.

 

As Doctor Who #11 (Matt Smith--swoon) would say: "You sexy thing!" And man, I exude sexiness all the way. Tehehe

 

What did you go as for Halloween? Do anything fun?

 

I sure did... I wore my costume to work, went Trick or Treating with my niece and nephews, and made an appearance at a party. Then I went home and slept like the dead. Dun Dun Dun.

 

Hugs

 

Writing Jewels

I Own It!

Something exciting happened this month. I'm going to share all about it. Zoom back to 2008. The hand-me-down car I'd been driving kicked the untimely can. Enter car shopping hunt. My parents joined me on the adventure. I distinctly remember my father telling me this:

 

"We need to shop around. You won't buy the first car you look at."

 

Umm... I purchased the first car I looked at and drove her home that evening. Oddly enough, I loved the make and model when it was first released, even down the color and sporty version.

 

My little 2006 Toyota Corolla S has gone through a lot of good times with me. I love her--my little Razlyn (yes, I named her).

 

Speed forward to now. The last payment was made this month and the title arrived in the mail. I officially own something bigger than a twin-sized bed or a desk lamp. I'm proud of myself for completely paying for her, doing this all on my own. And my confidence in myself is heightened.

I am no longer in car-debt-land. Wahoo!

 

It's sort of like how I feel when I complete a book. I stuck through until the bitter sweet, happy end. I conquered the words and made something great, becoming a scrumptious jewel.

 

Any who, thanks for reading my rambles. Any thoughts?

 

Hugs

 

Writing Jewels

Famous Last Words

Blast tired eyes and comfy, warm blankets. Drat to breath slowing and clouding out reality. Tisk tisk to not writing down a great idea.

I blame myself. Yet, blaming it all on an inanimate object would make me feel better.

What I'm eluding to is this: Last night as I was tucked tight in my bed, I had a killer idea for a blog post. Of course, I had that angering thought pass through my head that goes like this:

"I'll remember it in the morning. Just go to bed."

To any writer, those are your famous last words... I'll remember it in the morning.

Did I remember the fantastic idea in the morning?

Nope.

I tried to grasp hold of it throughout the day with no luck.

Suck. Super Suck. Super Duper Suck!

So, write down a brilliant writing idea. You'll thank yourself later, or when you wake up thinking you'd remember it.

Has this happened to you? Or were you smart and wrote it down?

Silly me.

Hugs

Writing Jewels

Costume Preparation and Stress Level Down

There's a particular thing I want to be for Halloween, but I wasn't exactly sure how to go about being this "thing". As you can tell I'm not going to peep a word as to what it is. All I'm gonna say is it's cool, supercool you might say. ;)

 

I Googled about it and found some easy ways to make it and then bam, I knew I had to be it. Yes, it.

 

Ross: Dress for Less has become my best friend because the shop had a dress that will work perfectly for the said costume. Yes, there will be a few alterations that will need to be made but, by golly, it's on it's way. I'm so excited.

 

I sort of wish I could wear it to work on Halloween. Now that would be a blast; however, I'm pretty sure costume wearing is a no, no at my job. Drat! It would be so cool too.

 

But do not fear, friends. I will most definitely post photos of it later on this month.

 

I love it when things like this get me excited. Woot!

 

And what I love more is my work has calmed down a wee bit over the past few days. I'm loving it beyond words. Since I shared that particular aspect of my life, I hope that I haven't jinxed myself. Now that would be terrible. I could use a break from work related stress, that's for sure.

 

How is your Halloween costume preparations going? Will you share what you are going to be, even though I'm being secretive? How's your work-related stress level? I sure hope yours is low like mine right now.

 

Hugs

 

Writing Jewels

Hope: The Love/Hate Relationship

Hope... I'm not sure if I like you so much right now.

Are you there to uplift? Or to dash dreams to bits?

I'm struggling with hope, folks. But I know hope keeps me (us) going? If it wasn't in my (our) lives, why the devil would I (we) get out of bed in the morning?

When I hope it seems that my heart gets broken. Perhaps I need to lower my expectations, but when I really want something, I WANT it and my heart gets attached so quickly, to my ultimate downfall.

 

Over a month ago, I mentioned I went on a date that I thought wouldn't go any farther than the driveway. Well, low and behold, I was asked on a second date by the guy I really liked. This date went AMAZING! But now the man of my dreams (ok, that's taking it too far) is all distant, even after expressing he likes me. I'm pretty sure (this time) the date will go no farther than the front door. Blast!

 

So, I guess this is why I'm dealing with a love/hate relationship with hope.

 

Where is the line that hope is healthy? I don't know. Do you?

 

However, I have a set of my scriptures lying on the end table by my bed. It just so happens to be open to a quote I wrote on the back of the front cover. It says:

 

"Hope in the evidence of faith."

 

That quote has never hit me so hard as it did now. My faith in a lot of things has been waning. A lot. But mostly in myself. Anything that may go wrong in my life comes back to the I'm not good enough blah blah blah. Low confidence much? Yup.

 

But this quote clicked with me more than it has ever done. Because I hope for good things in my life (ie: a boyfriend turn husband, children, a traditional publisher, travel to every continent, etc.), it means I have faith. I have faith in myself because I hope for many things. I have faith in good outcomes, whenever they may arrive in my life.

 

I have hope and that is a good thing!

 

What are your thoughts about hope?

 

Hugs

 

Writing Jewels 

Insecure Writers' Support Group: Wisdom from Gandalf

Another lovely Insecure Writers' Support Group Wednesday is here. For more information about this great forum, click HERE.

As I gathered with some friends to watch The Hobbit, a particular exchange between Gandalf and Bilbo stood out to me.

Biblo: Can you promise that I will come back?

Gandalf: No. And if you do... you will not be the same. 

 

What does Bilbo do? He goes to bed. 

 

Yes, he heads to catch some winks with expectations to go on with his life as normal in the morning. He most likely begged the Hobbit gods to make the houseful of impolite dwarves swarming his kitchen to disappear by the time he awoke.

 

Baggins cowers away, tempted more by the comforts of his established and quiet life.  When he wakes and finds himself alone, the itching Took inside him drives him out if his quaint home to join the dwarves and Gandalf on their dangerous adventure. The hobbit didn't know what was ahead of him but he went regardless of possible incineration or countless other gruesome deaths.

 

We as writers take on a similar journey. Although, hopefully minus sleeping on the ground and fighting trolls and dragons (at least not in our minds). 

 

Journeying on an adventure with words does not have any guarantees. There isn't a contract at the beginning saying it is going to work exactly how you want it to.

 

There are ups and downs and depression that hits when you least expect it. 

 

But through the words that often times cramp our fingers from typing, we are not the same as when we began. We are better, far better for it because we tried regardless of the end result. 

 

So keep on writing.

 

What are your thoughts on this subject?

 

Hugs

 

Writing Jewels

 

 

Psych Psych Psych

Hey folks, I totally forgot to prepare a post for yesterday. Sorry. *shakes head at self* Is that even possible?

 

Any who, if you know me, you'll know that I like TV shows. They are my way to relax and laugh and get out of my head for a while. 

 

My current TV addiction is Psych. There could be worse addictions. Well, yes, there are, indeed. :D

 

This show is pretty much brilliant. It is quirky, imaginative, clever, hilarious, and has a cute actor in it (James Roday). *Sigh*

 

I love that he, Shawn Spencer, is only a super observant person, but he fakes like he is a psychic to solve crimes for the local police department. Amazing premise, eh?

 

The writers have developed a smash hit of a program with delightful characters and entertaining stories while weaving classic 80's movies, television shows, and music throughout. I can't believe it took me this long to get hooked on Psych.

 

Have you ever watched Psych? Do you like it? Are you a TV buff?

 

Hugs

 

Writing Jewels

Oh, and PS: Enter to win one of two signed copies of my novel, Félicité Found, on Goodreads. Giveaway ends on September 30, so be quick. Here's the entry form and good luck...

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Félicité Found

by Julia King

Giveaway ends September 30, 2013.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Lesson in Bravery

First of all, don't forget to enter to win one of two signed copies of my novel, Félicité Found, on Goodreads. Good luck!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Félicité Found

by Julia King

Giveaway ends September 30, 2013.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Now to the meat of the post...

I can be quite the sassy little brave-ster sometimes. Yeah, it takes some (ok, a lot of) mental coercion and talking myself into it, but it happens. 

 

My most recent act of bravery was this:

 

There's this guy I've been interested in for some months now. Oh, man, I have been smitten. Finally, after many a nice conversation, I was bold and asked this man of super hotness and intense intellect out. He accepted. We had a fun time. Is this relationship going to go any farther than the driveway? I think not, unfortunately. But, dear friends, I put myself out there and tried for something I wanted.

 

This is how I've felt about writing.

• First, I had an idea for a book.
• I started type, type, typing.
• I finished said book and started revising and editing. A lot. And a lot more with tons of peoples' critiques.
• I queried book.
• After countless rejections, I received that blessed agent call with the "yes".
• I parted ways with agent, but that's ok! :)
• I self-published the book instead.
• I'm happy.

Things may go a different path than you think, but you will never know what will happen unless if you try.

 

So TRY! Be brave! Start writing your story. Send out that query letter. And conquer this world!

 

Tell me your acts of bravery. 

 

Hugs

 

Writing Jewels 

Giveaway Giveaway Giveway of My Novel!

Hey y'all!

I want to let you in on a cool secret (well, not so secret now).

I'm giving away paperback copies of my novel, Félicité Found, on Goodreads.

You could be a proud owner of one of two signed paperback copies of my little cupcake.

Enter to win on the below entry form!

While you're at it, you can add my little lovely to you Goodreads to-read list.

And you can spread the word about the giveaway too. I'd probably smile super big if you did. :D

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Félicité Found

by Julia King

Giveaway ends September 30, 2013.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

If you can't wait to win the book, you can purchase it at these sites:

 

Amazon.com

 

B&N.com

 

Good luck and have a great Thursday!

Hugs

Writing Jewels 

9/11

This day will forever be a somber one for me. The awful events that transpired on September 11, 2011, I think, will forever be ingrained upon the hearts and minds of people, be them United States citizens or from abroad. It is a day to remember what happened, a day to be stilland without fear.

I remember capturing a photo of the World Trade Towers from a boat heading to the Statue of Liberty. Who would have thought that just over a year later, those towers along with other buildings would be targets of terrorism? Who would have thought that thousands of people would perish? Who would have imagined that such atrocities would happen on such a large scale?

Every year, I can't help but remember those images I viewed live on television. It breaks my heart.

Since I post on Wednesdays, I didn't feel right posting about anything else other than paying respect. I want to pay respect to those that died and those that were left with voids of lost loved ones in their hearts.

I honor those who fight for freedoms, and hope that people who strive for civil unrest will come to their senses. I hope for peace and softening of hearts. I hope for peace in hearts that are wounded for whatever reason.

On this day, I offer my words to keep the spirit of lives lost alive.

Cheers to the valiant and hugs to anyone who needs love on this day.

Writing Jewels

Insecure Writer's Support Group: No More Too Serious

Happy Insecure Writer's Support Group Wednesday! Thanks to Alex J. Cavanaugh we have this ingenious outlet to vent our writer's woes or uplift with wisdom.

 

Last night, I saw Austenland the movie from the brilliant all-absorbing novel with the same name by Shannon Hale.

 

I haven't laughed so much during a movie in a long while. Seriously, I had some good knee slapper moments. With some luck, I didn't snort up a storm in the process (that happens to me, sadly enough, but with great endearing effect).

 

Hale's book was amazing and the movie didn't fail to entertain. At every turn there was something to chuckle about, be it a character's line, a fake duck shooting, or an arrow to the eye. I rather enjoyed myself and would recommend the film and, more importantly, the book one-hundred percent.

 

I bring this up because I can relate to Hale's character Jane. I'm lost in my own dreamland with my perfect "prince" and the perfect "ending". But my life already is perfect in it's own right. 

 

Jane finally realized that life was more than just Darcy. She threw in the towel and started living for herself. She stopped taking things so seriously. And once she de-Austen'ed her bedroom, she was able to pick up and move on.

 

So, this is to say that sometimes I (maybe we) take life too seriously by focusing too much on what we don't have, instead of what we do have. Here's the chance to unclutter your life and stop being so serious.

 

Do you feel burdened by seriousness? Do you feel like you could use some more chuckles in your life? And how do you unclutter the busyness of life? Have you seen or read Austenland? What did you think?

 

Hugs

 

Writing Jewels

LOL: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

Years ago, a good friend of mine shared the movie The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy with me. I tell you, I laughed so much, I ... well... Any who, suffice it to say, from the moment I commenced the hitchhiking journey, I knew I would never return home. The universe was so big and twisted and brilliant that I'll admit I have watched the film at least a dozen times, if not more.

 

Tons of people have encouraged me to read the book and I finally took the challenge. Actually, I listened to it, and it was a good decision; the narrator was fantastic at differentiating between the voices. Amazing!

 

A Trillian (yes, I spelled that wrong but it really is right) of parts in the book made me laugh up a storm, but a few of the names were beyond knee slappers. Here are the names I enjoyed the most:

• Zaphod Beeblebrox - President of the Galaxy
• Majikthise - philosopher (the narrator pronounced this like Magic Thighs (I seriously spit laughed when I heard it)
• Slartibartfast - planet designer (his name doesn't really matter, though)

Anyway, this book kept me well entertained during my commute. The author sure liked to use his ly adverbs, though. Yet, it sort of made it funnier.

 

I'd recommend this book if you like to laugh. It's terrific!

 

Have you read or seen The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy? If both, which one did you like better? Or were they equally good? (I liked them both in their own ways) Have you read the rest of the series? I think I might have to carry on in the hitchhiking quest.

 

Anyway, happy Friday and have a delightful weekend.

 

Hugs

 

Writing Jewels

 

Nap. News. Now.

I was snuggled up warm and comfy in my bed, reveling in the fact that I could take a nap if I wanted to, but alas, I started to think about my blog post for tomorrow (well, today or whenever you read this). I decided sleep could wait until this evening. Blog post takes precedence. So, I'm type, type, typing up a storm.

Being on the news last weekend was incredible. Of course, I was freaked and wanted to pass out, but I shined through as a confident little lass. Funny enough, all I could think about during the segment was:

Stop brushing your hair back. Stop brushing your hair back.

I wish I would have tucked my hair behind my ear in the process. The main camera angle pretty much showed only my hair and nose. Of all the luck. haha

All around it was a superb experience! I enjoyed seeing how things worked behind the scenes. Pretty nifty stuff! If you wanna see the interview click here.

Now, I'd like to share an excerpt from my novel, Félicité Found, to entice you to go to these sites and pick up a copy for yourself, friends, pet platypus, and mom:

Amazon

B&N

Check it out on Goodreads (add it to your to-read list while your at it).

Excerpt time (scene set up: Pierre and Luc are in the lunch room chatting in English--you'll have to read the book to know why they are speaking in English...):

“Man, I’ll bet you three-hundred Euros you’ll change your mind in a couple days.”

       "I’m so not making this a bet,” Pierre said, knowing all too well that he was developing feelings for her. He would lose big time.

“Be that way, then. It’s not like you don’t have a lot of money or anything.” He laughed, punching Pierre in the arm.

“Always have to hit me, huh?” Pierre rubbed his arm and groaned just for effect.

“Man, you’re built like a brick. Punching you hurts me more than you. Look at you.” He motioned up and down. “When was the last time you lifted weights? You’re gifted with good looks, smarts, and could have all the girls. You don’t even have . . . How do you say these in English?” He pointed to a couple of red spots on his chin.

“Pimples, zits, acne.”

“I like zits the best. Anyway, you better sort through your feelings. I want to win the bet.” Luc pumped his arm in the air, whooping in the process.

“I already said we’re not betting. You’re putting words in my mouth.”

“Admit it Pierre, you like her.” Students were filing out of the lunchroom. A few girls looked at Pierre and giggled then whispered to each other. Class was about to start again. He hadn’t had much of a chance to eat his sandwich with all the chatting about his apparent love life.

“If I admit it will you stop bugging me about her?”

“I knew it.” He slapped Pierre on the shoulder, stood up, and shouted in English, “I am the wizard of the all-knowing!” The few students left in the cafeteria clapped at the outburst. Luc had a way with people. He could get someone to jump off a building if he said “Jump.” The thought made Pierre think of Ém. His heart thumped hard against his ribs.

“Nothing gets by you, Luc Broussard, the wizard of the all-knowing. Time for class, bro.” Pierre reverted back to his native tongue.

“You’re ruining my moment of wizardry. Just shut up for a minute.

Pierre got up and dumped his tray, not waiting for Luc to follow. As he was about to leave the cafeteria, he looked back to see Luc staring up at the ceiling with an awed expression on his face.

He’s the weirdest person alive.

 

I hope you enjoyed this little bit of my book. Just so you know (but don't tell my other characters), Luc is my favorite character in this book. He makes me laugh every time he enters the page. :D If you want to learn more about my Parisian characters, check out this post on Elise Fallson's blog.

 

Who is your favorite character from one of your books, or a a book in general? How are you doing this fine day?

 

Hugs

 

Writing Jewels

I'm Kind of a Big Deal...

I'm kind of a big deal... Ok, not really, but I have some fantastic news I'd like to share.

I'm being interviewed on Fox 13 Good Day Utah on Saturday, August 24 at 7:45AM (that's tomorrow, folks). I will be chatting up a storm about my novel, Félicité Found, and about being an independent author.

I feel incredibly blessed to have this opportunity. Talk about amazing publicity and marketing. Eep!

Ok, I think I'm going to throw up now. And I need to exhaustively scour my closet. What the devil am I going to wear. Ack!

Ok, now you can click on over to the below mentioned sites to purchase miss Félicité Found (she'd love you forever and ever for adding her to you book collection). And I've made an executive decision: the e-book version of my novel will be on sale today only for 99 cents. Let's celebrate with an awesome deal!!!
Spread the word about the sale, too! It's too good to be true. haha

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Createspace

What the hay, here's a peak into it's pages:

“A rush of sweet warmth flooded Félicité for having remembered something about her past. The heaviness in her mind and heart seeped free from her as though it pushed itself from all of her pores. She knew that eventually everything—her memories and knowledge—would come back.

She ached for Pierre and Hélène to know her name. As fast as her legs could carry her, she sped into the living room. Pierre was sound asleep, chest rising and falling in a rhythm that followed his thunderous snores. He was so loud she found it difficult to remember why she had come to see him. However, she couldn’t bear to wake him.

She observed that the light shining through the gap of the curtains came from only the moon. It must be the middle of the night. It was difficult for her to believe that she had slept all day and into the night.

Gazing at Pierre, she noted how handsome he was even in his thunderous slumber. She wanted to touch his skin and the rough stubble of hair growth on his face. His hand that fell from the couch beckoned her to him. She resisted the urge to take it into hers, feel it, relish its rough texture, and press it to her face. Again, she felt as if she had known him for a long time.

Should she wake him to hear his welcoming, deep and vibrating voice?

No, she thought as her euphoria faded. All that was left was a lump in her throat.

Her happy news would have to wait until morning. With one last look at the most kind- natured and loving person in the world, she shuffled her feet back to bed. However, before she fell asleep, she distinctly heard her father’s voice in the room telling her, “Félicité, my daughter, I love you. I love you so much.”

She bounded out of bed like an animal pouncing on its prey and flipped the light switch. Scanning the room, she saw no one in there. She was alone.”

So, are you going to watch me on the news tomorrow (I'm pretty sure you can stream it live from the website)? Any advice to calm down my nervous jitters? And how are you doing this fine Friday?

Hugs

Writing Jewels