Oh Snap, What'd I Do Now?

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Well the other day I don’t know if I put the nail in my casket by putting myself another iron in the fire but here is what I did.

About a month ago I emailed my librarian and asked him all kinds of questions about what I can do to bring people into the library. I asked if I could do book reviews for the libraries website and post those in special holders within the library so that patrons can read them and potentially find a new book to add to their to be read list.

I also asked about working with him on their inventory because I have noticed that there are books missing in series. Some series are missing books 2, 4, and 8 but have all the others…all the way to 12. Yes, there are some series that go that far and further like the Anita Blake series by Laurell K. Hamilton. Most of these books were donated…explaining the missing books.

I inquired about purchasing other books for the library because the budget is so small and they will not be able to get all of the books that are on my TBR list let alone everyone else’s.  So I asked to maybe consolidate lists so I can pick up the books that he is not going to order.

I also asked if I could start a writing group one night a week or twice a month or whatever in the part of the library that is called the learning center. It is a beautiful place that doesn’t get used quite as much as it should IMO. I would even do an email newsletter featuring new books coming in and other things if asked.

Here I am almost a month later and no response…cricket. cricket. cricket.  Nothing!

So needless to say that I know the President of the Library Board and I asked her the other day what it takes to be part of the library to get involved and do something. I told her what I suggested to the librarian and she thought those were all wonderful ideas. Her eyes were lit up with…joy? *cue cute angels and pixie dust falling from the ceiling*

She told me that she was ready to retire and that her term was up quite awhile ago and she had looked for a replacement but could never find anyone interested. What?? No one interested. That’s crazy. So anyway…long story short—I think that I put a bid in to be President of the Library Board at the next election…that is if the approve and elect me. *slaps head--what'd I do now?*

I know it is not a paid position, but if it means that I get to be involved and interact and get the answers I want since the librarian didn’t respond to me…then fabulous. I just hope that I didn’t put myself in a noose and hope that I don’t fail the library. I LOVE BOOKS!!

So for all you new writers, existing writers and up and coming dreamers. Don’t give up and keep writing because I am going to do all that I can to make sure that my small community gets the opportunity to enjoy your talents.

Who doesn't love giveaways???

One of my blogging friends, J.L. Jackson is having a Welcoming the Fall Giveaway. If you haven't already been there, then go there and sign up and you could possibly walk away with some more books to add to your TBR (to be read) pile. She has a spectacular blog and is very entertaining. Like I said, if you haven't been there, go there now and check it out! Thank you friends for all of your support.

I have lost me…

I got to thinking the other day and let me tell you…ohmebegez. Once I start it doesn’t stop for like three days – promise.

So I was pondering all the work I am attempting to put into my edits as I keep getting non-stop ideas (like volcano eruption – just keep writing until it crusts up). Then I also love and mean totally LOVE to beta read for people. I read and try to keep a blog. (as you can see) I am trying to twitter and email and network and keep up with where I started on Writer’s Digest…

Then there’s the peanuts football practices Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday nights. Volleyball games Tuesday & Thursday nights. Football games – J.V., Varsity and Peanuts – Monday, Friday Nights & Saturdays.  No joke!

So here it is the second week of school and already it looks like the only night we don’t have sports is tonight – WEDNESDAY – fabulous Wednesday night. As I look at trying to edit so that I can actually …maybe one day send my manuscript out to shop for an agent. Beta reading, writing, blogging, following blogs, tweeting, following tweets, and worrying about my following – “Am I entertaining enough?”

I’m so caught up in building a platform that I am losing me. Not to mention that my routine is a little insane and after sports I still have to check homework before I can play with my friends.

I just want to say ‘hang in there’. I’m not complaining or making excuses. I LOVE MY LIFE. It’s just a little bumpy like every one else’s. We all have our moments. Up, down, happy, sad, frustrated, or just plain pissed off.  We’re all human – but I don’t have to tell you that right? Ahem! Right?? Kidding.

However, my brain got a little rattled…okay. A lot. But it will get a jump start and back into action very soon. More ideas are getting thrown to paper so maybe they will show up here. Who knows. Until then, take care of you.

A great ARC Contest hosted by Sara McClung

Ok, those of you that aren't familiar with Sara McClung, I suggest you mosey over to her blog and check her out. She is funny and has great advice for any writer. Right now on her blog she is hosting an awesome ARC giveaway. She is offering to give away some wonderful books that are going to be delicious reads and just make you itch to check it out and enter to win.

Here are the books that you will find.
A set of Beautiful Creatures and Beautiful Darkness both are signed by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
Nightshade by Andrea Cremer
Rot & Ruin by Jonathan Maberry
The Unidentified by Rae Mariz
Halt's Peril by John Flanagan
The Goblin Gate by Hilari Bell
Jane by April Lindner
The Winds of Heaven by Judith Clarke

So if any of these sound like the juice that your brain needs to drink, then float on over to Sara McClung's blog and sign up. You might just become a dedicated follower. Plus she gives you a small teaser of what the book is about. So go and check it out. Thanks Sara. Good Luck with the ARC Giveaway.

I have decided that any that I am fortunate enough to win...after I read them of course, I am going to donate to our local library. Their budget is so small that we can't get the newest books for quite some time, so I am going to do what I can to help them out as a writer.

Scott Westerfeld...what can I say? Thank you.

Eating Scott Westerfeld's books up like candy. Uglies, Pretties, Specials and now finishing Extras. A must read.