Tuesday, May 28, 2013

PNWA Finalist! Whoot!

I'm excited to announce that I'm a finalist for the Children's Picture Book and Chapter Book Division of the PNWA Literary Contest. I got the email late last night:

Congratulations! You're entry is a finalist in the 2013 Pacific Northwest Writers Association Literary Contest. 
You should be very proud, as PNWA’s contest is extremely competitive. We have received entries from the USA, Australia, Canada, Europe, and the U.K.
First and second place winners will be invited to a special reception with agents and editors following the Award Celebration.  
The Award Celebration is a key part of our annual conference. Our annual conference takes place July 25 – 28, 2013, at the Seattle Hilton Airport and Conference Center.   
Congratulations again and good luck!

Just in time to add this baby to my query letter! You know, that paragraph where you're supposed to write about your published work, credentials as a writer, and awards received. Well...I've always had to gloss over that...but now, NOW, I can say I'm a finalist.

"You don't understand. I coulda had class. I coulda been a contender. I coulda been somebody, instead of a bum, which is what I am, let's face it." ~ Marlon Brando, On the Waterfront (1954)

Wattpad Book Cover

I can't say I truly "get" the world of Wattpad...but a friend and critique partner shares her work on the sight. She wanted a cover done for her book, Renazzle, and I offered up my services. It's a cute dragon story aimed at Middle Grade readers. If you're on Wattpad, look it up...read...and enjoy!

Below are the three book covers...Beth thought version 2, white on black, would show up best in its small format, 256x400.

Book Cover - Version 1 and 2

Book Cover - Version 3


Pink Dragon - original inspiration
Paper collage with digital elements

Friday, May 10, 2013

ARC winner!

Yippee! I am very excited to have won an advanced copy of Own the Wind by Kristen Ashley through Goodreads. I am a huge Ashley fan. She writes gritty romances with unique story lines and characters AND started as a self-published author. Even with bad editing, her stories always proved a good read.

Now, I believe she has an editor and has republished her work. Own the Wind is her latest story in a series about a motorcycle club called Chaos. This is the second book to Motorcycle Man.

When the UPS man dropped off the book yesterday, I felt like a dog at the dinner table. Treats! My daughter was so excited for me, that she ran downstairs to draw me an award. It's a gold medal with her initial and mine...and a picture of an open book. What a sweet heart.

Advanced Reading Copy - Own the Wind by Kristen Ashley

Here is my first critique without even opening the book:

Just looking at the cover, my husband asked me, "Is the guy supposed to be a poseur?" I told him the hero was probably a tough biker dude. Husband said, "No tough biker dude would wear shoes like that." I studied the cover a little closer and have to agree! Pants are not worn or frayed enough and the boots are not scuffed. I like the cover layout though. I'm looking forward to cracking this baby open.

Right now I am reading manuscripts by two of my writing buddies. I'll peel back the covers on Ashley's latest hopefully next week.

Looking forward to it.