FALL BLOG PIC, SO FAR AWAY...

There's something about the arrival of a new season that makes me want to update the ol' "About Me" pic here at the blog...A gal can't keep displaying a picture of herself in a short-sleeved T, surrounded by greenery, when everything green is starting to disappear, after all.

I've heard some authors say they really dread having their pictures taken.  I've never minded it, though.  Actually, truth be told, I like it.  Sitting down for a new book jacket photo always feels like a celebration.  And I know how much I personally enjoy seeing new candid shots on my fave authors' blogs (many of my favorite authors are long-distance friends these days, and I know that a candid pic on a blog can feel like the next-best-thing to seeing someone in person).  Besides, I didn't start blogging or online networking until I'd sold my first book.  If I'm providing a publisher a picture for a jacket or simply updating an online profile, I always feel like new shots are being taken because I'm an author with books in the works.  The thrill of that, of being a professional writer, never wears off.

I have learned over the past few years that any picture, whether it's a promo photo or a less formal blog shot like the one I recently had taken, dramatically improves when you happen to be looking at someone you really dig.  My most recent "About Me" photo is proof enough of that:

Also, my PLAYING HURT celebration giveaway closed, and I was thrilled to send the winning copy off...to South Korea.  I don't think I'll ever not be surprised by the idea of someone so far away reading my work. Makes me get all those excited tingles just thinking about it, actually...

I say it all the time, but I mean it: I love my readers.  Seriously.  Love.

CELEBRATING THE NUMBERS (A PLAYING HURT GIVEAWAY)

I have to admit, I've been focusing my attention for the past few months on the two books I currently have in development.  I've had the nose to the old grindstone, whipping up revisions of both my next YA, FERAL, and my forthcoming debut MG, THE JUNCTION OF SUNSHINE AND LUCKY.  And besides that, I've also been thinking ahead to that whirlwind that always accompanies a book's release: I've had trailers on the brain.  And Skype visits.  Blog tours.  Ustream chats.  Print ads.

...But I've been pleasantly reminded lately that activity is still buzzing regarding both of my previously-released books (my debut first appeared on store shelves in '10, the other in early '11).

I bumped into this lovely picture / quote from A BLUE SO DARK on Tumblr recently:

I also found A BLUE SO DARK's cover being discussed at Born Bookish, and a lovely review of the book recently popped up at My Words Ate Me.

New numbers in from my publisher also indicate that book buyers are still snapping up my second YA (and first romance), PLAYING HURT.  In fact, the numbers pleased me so much, I'm holding a giveaway!  I'm giving one signed copy of the book and two signed bookplates; the giveaway runs through October 15.  (If you have any trouble with the Rafflecopter form below, feel free to enter by commenting on the post.)

I also want to take a moment to thank my incredible readers for their support.  And yet another thanks goes out to my bloggers, for helping to spread word of my work online.  If I've said it once, I've said it 1,487,690 times: I don't know where I'd be without you guys.  You're the absolute best...


a Rafflecopter giveaway

SPRUNG

A tulip made it just in time for the first day of spring yesterday:

And Jake got in the first good dig of the warm season…Too bad the dirt that gets licked off a guy’s nose doesn’t taste as good as the remnants of dinner!

In the midst of all things new, I also found this recent (and fantastic!) review of PLAYING HURT, which is now officially a year old (it just feels so good to know that long after the initial book release hoopla, my book continues to find new readers)! Check out the review at TEEN INK.

YA TO A

My own second YA, PLAYING HURT, features slightly older characters, for the genre: Chelsea's already graduated from high school and Clint has finished his first year of college when the two meet and embark on their love story. One of the reasons I chose protagonists of that age is because I love stories that focus on characters who are in the midst of one of life's times of transition—a rocky, scary, thrilling new beginning. The kind of beginning that finds us at the end of our school days, or as we set out to establish ourselves in "the real world," etc.

That's a big part of why I love this video; I can't help it—I smile every single time I watch it. I really appreciate the transition Ms. Swift is making here; this is the first time I've ever viewed her in an adult capacity...Plus, as PLAYING HURT also illustrates, I'm just a sucker for a sweet love story:




Speaking of PLAYING HURT, I absolutely loved bumping into Best-of-'11 lists throughout the blogophere late in December that featured the book. I wanted to highlight a few here, from Reading Angel, Book Goonie, and Magnet 4 Books.

I'd also like to know: how do you prefer your characters in YA? Older? Younger? Weigh in below!

...And with that, I officially kick of '12 here at the blog! I can't help it—I just have this fabulous feeling about '12. Life is good...

PLAYING HURT GRATITUDE

Guys, guys, guys, guys, GUYS! Expecting a package from Amazon to hit your doorstep? You’re not the only one…

This morning, Amazon listed PLAYING HURT as having only 7 more copies in stock (more on the way, of course). PLAYING HURT doesn’t even “officially” release until March 8!

Who’s responsible for this incredible turn of events? You. My bloggers. I can’t begin to tell you how much I truly appreciate and love you guys…

SECOND PRINTING!

Guys! This just in from my editor at Flux: A BLUE SO DARK has gone for a second printing!

The noise that exploded from my mouth at the news went a little something like this:

WAHTUBALOOOOOSI!

WHAT A PLEASANT SURPRISE...

…to wake up and find my book featured in the Life section of my local paper!

Check out the story on Ozarks authors at News-Leader.com…

(A BLUE SO DARK is featured in the story photo; a description of the book can be found under “Some Recent Books By Ozarks Authors” on the right-hand sidebar…)