Who Inspires You

Today I wanted to do something a little different.  There are people in the world who do amazing things and end up being a big inspiration to those who look up to them.  This is a HUGE honor because you can't make someone look up to you.  It's just something that happens to those who deserve it.  I'd like to take a moment and give thanks to the people who inspire me and who have made an incredible difference in my life.  Some you may know, and some you probably have never heard of and will never hear of again after reading this post.  Despite that, they are people who are amazing and talented and who have pushed me on this extraordinary journey I'm on.

Amber Streed -
For those of you who don't know, Amber is not only my best friend, she is an AMAZINGLY talented artist and also the person responsible for my cover art.  She inspires me with her artistic loving nature and encourages me with her unfailingly faith in me. 

Shawn Mikkelson -
Shawn is an amazing parent, a strongly optimistic person, and one of the best friends I have ever had.  He inspires me to stand up for myself, take true chances in life, and to never give up hope that there is something better out there for me.  He encourages me to take one day at a time and live life for myself and my daughter.  He's reminded me how important it is to let love become a part of your life.

JK Rowling -
Got to give this woman a HUGE chunk of my inspiration.  Not only because she is amazing and I am an enormous fan of Harry Potter, but because she never gave up hope that one day the characters she brought to life would become so much bigger than herself and bring so much joy into the lives of her readers.  Plus, I have forged many friendships on our mutual love for the books, movies and characters in her magically wonderful Wizarding World.

Amanda Hocking -
There has been a lot of hype around Amanda in the past month and I do have to say that it is deserved.  She is an inspiration to me, because she never gave up hope that one day people would read her books and enjoy them.  I have to admit that until I put my own book on sale through self publishing, I didn't know who she was, but now that I do, she is a constant reminder to me that dreams can and do come true. 

Chloe McLaughlin -
She inspires me everyday to see things in a new way, to not take anything for granted and that the simple things in life are often the most rewarding.  For those of you who don't know how she is... She's my 3 year old daughter!

Now don't get me wrong, there are many other people out there who inspire me and I may work this into a weekly or monthly blog post, but for now, today, these are the people at the front of my mind and heart and I want to thank them.


As Always... Happy Reading Everyone!

An Apolgy and Randomness

Well this week has been eventful to say the least.  I'm sorry that I haven't written, things in my personal life are not going as weel as my professional one, but I'm still here and I'm still working.  Because of this, the release of A Dragon Forsaken will probably be postponed for a week or two but should still be out within March.  I am just waiting on editing and cover art.

On a lighter note, I've had time to realize that my daughter is my best friend, there are still a lot of people out there who love me, and true friends will drive an hour out of their way for you.

Hope everyone has had a great week and are looking foward to A Dragon Forsaken's release!

Happy Reading!

Congratulations!!

I wanted to just give a big shout out to Amanda Hocking.  For those of you who don't know...  She is a HUGE inpiration to me and she posted on her blog the other day that her book series The Trylle Trilogy has been optioned for film...  HIGH FIVE to Amanda for this amazing accomplishment!  I have read the first book and am in the process of reading the second so I can safely say that this is well deserved recognition! 


If you havn't read anything from her... check out her blog at : My Blood Approves


Now... I have to get back to writing!  Happy Reading everyone!

A Review and a Thank You

First of all, I'd like to say Thank You to Brandi at Do not disturb my books for a great and super fast review!  You can see it Here.

Second...  A long time ago I set out to share my writing with anyone who was interested.  Friends, Family, Teachers, whoever would take the time and really read what I have to say.  This past month knowing that I have real fans out there who have found and read my book on their own has been an amazing experience, and reading the reviews that busy people have taken time out of their lives to write is super special to me.  So thank you bloggers for everything you have done and I look forward to working with you in the future!

Thanks for another great review!

Thank you to Jennifer at One Day at a Time for another fabulous review on The Witches Lottery.

You can read it by clicking  here!

Most Stylish Blog Award

Thank you to reader girl at readergirlreviewsateenbook.blogspot.com for giving me this award!!

 

Here's what needs to be done if you receive this award:

• Thank the awesome person who gave you the award
• Post 7 random things about yourself 
• Give the award to other blogs  
• Contact the blogger and let them know they have won!  

7 Random Things About Myself

1. I'm a HUGE Harry Potter Addict

2. My number one vacation destination would be The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

3. My daughter looks like my exact replica at 3

4. I'm waiting for a really special character to be named Chloe after my beautiful daughter

5. I'm allergic to mushrooms

6. I am so addicted to my phone and texting that I look at it about 100 times a day at work

7. During the day, I hide behind blazers and dress clothes for my job at a credit union

 Blogs that I award the most Stylish Blog award to are:

1. George Sirios - excelsior2010.blogspot.com

2. Majanka Verstraete - booklogeternalised.net

3. Froggy - froggartiasbookcase.net

4. Natasha - Paranormal Wire natashalarry.blogspot.com

5. Juli - universeinwords.blogspot.com

Things to Come...

So for those of you who don't know...  I'm a huge fan of Amanda Hocking.  Her success and journey has been super inspiring to me...  She's recently stated that she is currently working on a new book that has been percolating in her mind for a while.  I can totally relate to that, as I do the same thing...  I can write really fast, but only after the idea has stewed away until it has become a perfectly formed little friend that I just can't help but put on paper.

So in light of that...  A few things that are on my plate right now.  The second book in The Enchanted Island Series, A Dragon Forsaken, should be out at the end of February or early March.  Then hopefully by the end of April the first book in the new series The Atlantean Wars, The Relic, should be out as well.  Throughout the rest of the year, I plan on putting up the rest of the Enchanted Island Series, the first two books in the Atlantean War Series and also a book inspired by my best friend Amber, entitled, Painted.

Good things are going to be coming this year and I hope that you are all along for the ride!!

Also...  Check out this link ...  I was awarded a most stylish blog award!!  Thank you so much!!