Wednesday, September 18, 2013

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

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 

Thursday, September 12, 2013

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

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:
 
 
 
Good luck and have a great Thursday!

Hugs

Writing Jewels 

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

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

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

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

Friday, August 30, 2013

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
 

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

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:


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