Karlene Browning over at Inksplasher is sponsoring a super cool contest with lots of great prizes as she takes a virtual road trip to Forks, Washington to countdown to the premiere of Eclipse. I'm sponsoring one of the days so be sure to check back here tomorrow to answer my question. (It'll be easy, especially if you've followed my blog).
To find out more about the contest http://inksplasher.blogspot.com/2010/05/chasing-twilight-contest.html
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To find out about the super cool prizes http://inksplasher.blogspot.com/2010/05/chasing-twilight-prizes.html
Prizes include: Jewelry, framed photos of characters, books, perfume, and the grand prize: a basket full of Twilight themed gifts.
Go to Inksplasher to find out more! Be sure to come back here tomorrow to find out my question and have a chance to win a copy of Heaven Scent or Altared Plans.
Now, I'm on my way to go fishing--or should I say, chase my 4-year-old around while the other kids attempt to catch fish (we have yet to catch fish on any of our many fishing trips).
Happy Memorial Day!
Showing posts with label Heaven Scent. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Heaven Scent. Show all posts
Monday, May 31, 2010
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Buy Books
Looking for a perfect Christmas gift for someone?
May I suggest buying a book?
Of course, I'd love it if you bought my book, but if my book doesn't appeal to you, buy another book. Reading seems to be a lost art. Kids are addicted to computer games and too many of them haven't fallen in love with books.
When I was in Denver last year, I found this amazing bookstore, The Tattered Cover. It's three stories high. I was paralyzed with excitement as I browsed all the sections.
Don't you just love the smell of books? Or how they feel in your hands when they're brand new? Or how the pages feel between your fingers? Isn't it great when you've read that last page and close the book? Don't you love finding a character you care about or a story that lingers with you long past the last page?
Books. Books. Books. Buy a book for someone you love.
May I suggest buying a book?
Of course, I'd love it if you bought my book, but if my book doesn't appeal to you, buy another book. Reading seems to be a lost art. Kids are addicted to computer games and too many of them haven't fallen in love with books.
When I was in Denver last year, I found this amazing bookstore, The Tattered Cover. It's three stories high. I was paralyzed with excitement as I browsed all the sections.
Don't you just love the smell of books? Or how they feel in your hands when they're brand new? Or how the pages feel between your fingers? Isn't it great when you've read that last page and close the book? Don't you love finding a character you care about or a story that lingers with you long past the last page?
Books. Books. Books. Buy a book for someone you love.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
The Winner is . . . .
I posted a YouTube video in hopes of spreading the word about National Down Syndrome month. (You can see the video on my sidebar or for a larger view you can go to YouTube and enter Extra C). Those who posted a link to this video or passed it to friends or made a comment on YouTube were entered into a contest to receive a copy of my book, Heaven Scent.
I'm happy to announce that Joan Sowards has won a copy. She posted a link to my video on her website. Thank you, Joan, and everyone else for participating and helping me spread the word. Maybe, just maybe, it'll help change some attitudes and make the world a little better place for my son and all of those who have Down syndrome.
Joan, please send me your snail mail address so I can mail you my book.
I'm happy to announce that Joan Sowards has won a copy. She posted a link to my video on her website. Thank you, Joan, and everyone else for participating and helping me spread the word. Maybe, just maybe, it'll help change some attitudes and make the world a little better place for my son and all of those who have Down syndrome.
Joan, please send me your snail mail address so I can mail you my book.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Down Syndrome Awareness Video and Contest
In celebration of the National Down Syndrome Awareness Month I have created this video, Extra C. Please help me spread the message that every child is a gift, even if the wrapping is a little different.
The music was composed and played by C.S. Bezas, an incredibly talented and creative musician. Please visit her website www.csbezasmusic.com to hear more of her beautiful music.
As a thank you to all who spread this message and share this video, I will sponsor a contest and give away a copy of my book, Heaven Scent, to the winner.
In order to qualify for the contest you can post this video on your website and/or blog and/or make a comment on this video at YouTube and/or pass this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGO5wqldyAo to people on your email lists. Just leave a comment on this post, or email me, and let me know what you did to help spread this message and I'll enter you into the drawing. The contest will run until midnight October 24th.
On October 25th one of my kids will draw a name from those that qualify and you'll receive a signed copy of my book.
Thank you for helping me to change attitudes about Down syndrome. Enjoy the video.
The music was composed and played by C.S. Bezas, an incredibly talented and creative musician. Please visit her website www.csbezasmusic.com to hear more of her beautiful music.
As a thank you to all who spread this message and share this video, I will sponsor a contest and give away a copy of my book, Heaven Scent, to the winner.
In order to qualify for the contest you can post this video on your website and/or blog and/or make a comment on this video at YouTube and/or pass this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGO5wqldyAo to people on your email lists. Just leave a comment on this post, or email me, and let me know what you did to help spread this message and I'll enter you into the drawing. The contest will run until midnight October 24th.
On October 25th one of my kids will draw a name from those that qualify and you'll receive a signed copy of my book.
Thank you for helping me to change attitudes about Down syndrome. Enjoy the video.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
CONTEST
Don't forget about my contest. The prize is a bottle of perfume that I designed to go with, Heaven Scent.
If you tell five people about my book, you can enter the contest. The perfume smells really good and who wouldn't want free perfume?
Leave a comment and you'll be eligible to win Hope (Heaven's Scent).
Tell your friends--it'll be fun!
Friday, August 15, 2008
Enter My Contest: Win Perfume
Don't forget my CONTEST. I'm giving away the perfume I designed to go along with Heaven Scent. It smells really good. It's a soft floral mix and everyone who has it, loves it.
Enter the contest. Here are the rules. It's easy to enter.
Enter the contest. Here are the rules. It's easy to enter.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Contest: Win Perfume
I'm sponsoring a contest. The winner will receive a bottle of Hope perfume (the fragrance of Heaven Scent). You can read more about Hope here.
The rules:
1. Tell five people about my book. They must be people who haven't previously heard about Heaven Scent. You can talk to them, email them, write a letter to them, and/or post about my book on the internet (you can even sing about my book if you're so inclined). The idea is to make as many people aware of Heaven Scent as possible.
2. Leave a comment on this post and tell me about how you told people about my book.
3. I'll run the contest for two weeks. On August 22, 2008 I will put the names of all commenters in a hat and one of my kids will pick the winner (I'm sure I could do this more high-tech, but my son will be home from his mission in 5 days and I'm a little too distracted to figure out how to do the thingie other people use that picks a winner).
4. This will be on the honor system. I'll trust you that when you leave a comment you have, in fact, told at least five people about my book. You can enter a comment for every five people you tell for a better chance at winning the perfume.
Hope is the name of the perfume worn by Liza’s mother in Heaven Scent. It’s a soft floral blend of jasmine, freesia and mimosa. This fragrance is pivotal in convincing Liza that despite her new reality, her mother is never far from her. Hope reminds us that families are forever and we are constantly encircled by their love.
Good luck and thank you for helping me spread the word about Heaven Scent.
The rules:
1. Tell five people about my book. They must be people who haven't previously heard about Heaven Scent. You can talk to them, email them, write a letter to them, and/or post about my book on the internet (you can even sing about my book if you're so inclined). The idea is to make as many people aware of Heaven Scent as possible.
2. Leave a comment on this post and tell me about how you told people about my book.
3. I'll run the contest for two weeks. On August 22, 2008 I will put the names of all commenters in a hat and one of my kids will pick the winner (I'm sure I could do this more high-tech, but my son will be home from his mission in 5 days and I'm a little too distracted to figure out how to do the thingie other people use that picks a winner).
4. This will be on the honor system. I'll trust you that when you leave a comment you have, in fact, told at least five people about my book. You can enter a comment for every five people you tell for a better chance at winning the perfume.
Hope is the name of the perfume worn by Liza’s mother in Heaven Scent. It’s a soft floral blend of jasmine, freesia and mimosa. This fragrance is pivotal in convincing Liza that despite her new reality, her mother is never far from her. Hope reminds us that families are forever and we are constantly encircled by their love.
Good luck and thank you for helping me spread the word about Heaven Scent.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Win A Copy of My Book
If you're interested in winning a copy of my book, stop by LDS Fiction and leave a comment.
Thanks :)
Thanks :)
Thursday, June 19, 2008
This and That
My blog tour continues. I've answered some interesting questions and Danyelle Ferguson is holding a fun contest.
A big thanks to all of you who have purchased my book from Deseret Book. Heaven Scent has climbed 100 places on the DB Besteller list. It's been very exciting to see it move up the list. Thank you!
I'm still working on my LDS romance, but summer break has robbed me of more time that I anticipated. There's always something going on at my house. Absolutely never, ever a dull moment.
We brought home a puppy for the kids about a month or so ago. Have you ever read The Diggingest Dog by P.D Eastman? Well, that's our dog. She digs and digs and digs. I expect one of these days, I'll call her and when she doesn't come, I'll have to rerieve her from China.
My youngest has been teething and has he ever been miserable. You know that saying, "When Mama ain't happy, ain't no one happy?" Well, I'd like to change it to, "When the baby ain't happy, ain't no one gonna get sleep, meals, or a shower (especially Mama)."
A big thanks to all of you who have purchased my book from Deseret Book. Heaven Scent has climbed 100 places on the DB Besteller list. It's been very exciting to see it move up the list. Thank you!
I'm still working on my LDS romance, but summer break has robbed me of more time that I anticipated. There's always something going on at my house. Absolutely never, ever a dull moment.
We brought home a puppy for the kids about a month or so ago. Have you ever read The Diggingest Dog by P.D Eastman? Well, that's our dog. She digs and digs and digs. I expect one of these days, I'll call her and when she doesn't come, I'll have to rerieve her from China.
My youngest has been teething and has he ever been miserable. You know that saying, "When Mama ain't happy, ain't no one happy?" Well, I'd like to change it to, "When the baby ain't happy, ain't no one gonna get sleep, meals, or a shower (especially Mama)."
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Blogs and Such
Today Don Carey is hosting my blog tour. He has a great review of Heaven Scent and an interview posted. Drop on by.
My second year at BYU was fantastic. I lived in Centennial Apartments in the best ward ever. We were constantly doing something fun. My FHE group was especially fun and led by a somewhat crazy guy. I have plenty of photos to prove my FHE dad was a little wacky, and he was sure to instigate the pranks that our FHE brothers pulled on us (they dyed everything green in our apartment, including the water in the toilet, our milk, etc. for St. Patrick's Day). And, I admit, I was much more interested in my "brothers" than my "sisters."
Fast forward more years than I'd like to admit. I was searching for a gift for my sister's birthday. I decided to buy her a book and looked through the book section at my local Walmart (I know, shame on me for buying a book at Walmart instead of an LDS bookstore, but I had a cartload of kids with me and it was easier to buy from Walmart). I picked up a book about the Book of Mormon. It was the first novel in a series and I knew my sister loved to read series. I read the dust jacket and then flipped to the back to read about the author.
Brain cramp.
I stared at the photo. Who was it? My FHE dad from BYU. As soon as I got home, I cracked open my college photo albums and, sure enough, it was the same guy. My FHE dad was a published author. I was way impressed and decided to search him out. I found him at what is now latterdayauthors.
Who is he? David G. Woolley, author of the Promised Land series. Small world or what? He is not only an amazing writer, he has such an incredible amount of knowledge about the lands of the Book of Mormon. Check out his blog and you'll learn so much. He's also funny and quite entertaining.
I have another friend who's just starting a blog. Randall McNeely, an aspiring LDS author, has some interesting insights on his blog. You might want to check it out.
Have fun in Blogland!
My second year at BYU was fantastic. I lived in Centennial Apartments in the best ward ever. We were constantly doing something fun. My FHE group was especially fun and led by a somewhat crazy guy. I have plenty of photos to prove my FHE dad was a little wacky, and he was sure to instigate the pranks that our FHE brothers pulled on us (they dyed everything green in our apartment, including the water in the toilet, our milk, etc. for St. Patrick's Day). And, I admit, I was much more interested in my "brothers" than my "sisters."
Fast forward more years than I'd like to admit. I was searching for a gift for my sister's birthday. I decided to buy her a book and looked through the book section at my local Walmart (I know, shame on me for buying a book at Walmart instead of an LDS bookstore, but I had a cartload of kids with me and it was easier to buy from Walmart). I picked up a book about the Book of Mormon. It was the first novel in a series and I knew my sister loved to read series. I read the dust jacket and then flipped to the back to read about the author.
Brain cramp.
I stared at the photo. Who was it? My FHE dad from BYU. As soon as I got home, I cracked open my college photo albums and, sure enough, it was the same guy. My FHE dad was a published author. I was way impressed and decided to search him out. I found him at what is now latterdayauthors.
Who is he? David G. Woolley, author of the Promised Land series. Small world or what? He is not only an amazing writer, he has such an incredible amount of knowledge about the lands of the Book of Mormon. Check out his blog and you'll learn so much. He's also funny and quite entertaining.
I have another friend who's just starting a blog. Randall McNeely, an aspiring LDS author, has some interesting insights on his blog. You might want to check it out.
Have fun in Blogland!
Monday, June 9, 2008
Heaven Scent Blog Tour Begins
Today begins the blog tour for Heaven Scent. I have some fabulous people helping me spread the word on their blogs. Each day a new person will post a review and an interview with me. I'm very excited for the tour and want to express my deepest appreciation to all of those who are taking part. If you'd like to follow the tour I'll list all the dates and addresses on my side bar and keep it there for the rest of the month.
I've answered some interesting questions, too. If you'd like to get to know me better, you can read the interviews.
This will be so much fun. I hope you'll join me on the tour. Karlene Browning will be giving away the perfume we designed to accompany Heaven Scent, it's called Hope.
June 9 Ronda Hinrichsen
June 10 Don Carey
June 11 Stephanie Humphreys
June 12 Nichole Giles
June 16 Michelle Jefferies
June 17 Emily Debenham
June 18 Danyelle Ferguson
June 19 Ali Cross
June 20 Karen Hoover
June 23 Heather Justesen
June 24 Kim Thompson
June 25 Rachelle Christensen
June 26 Andy Lemmon
June 27 Karlene Browning
June 30 Marcia Mickelson
July 1 C. Lynn Beck
I hope you'll drop by.
I've answered some interesting questions, too. If you'd like to get to know me better, you can read the interviews.
This will be so much fun. I hope you'll join me on the tour. Karlene Browning will be giving away the perfume we designed to accompany Heaven Scent, it's called Hope.
June 9 Ronda Hinrichsen
June 10 Don Carey
June 11 Stephanie Humphreys
June 12 Nichole Giles
June 16 Michelle Jefferies
June 17 Emily Debenham
June 18 Danyelle Ferguson
June 19 Ali Cross
June 20 Karen Hoover
June 23 Heather Justesen
June 24 Kim Thompson
June 25 Rachelle Christensen
June 26 Andy Lemmon
June 27 Karlene Browning
June 30 Marcia Mickelson
July 1 C. Lynn Beck
I hope you'll drop by.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
I've Designed a Fragrance
In my book Heaven Scent my main character's mother wears a certain fragrance. This perfume plays a pivotal role in the story so with the help of Karlene Browning at Urban Botanics I designed this fragrance to tie into my book.
Hope (Heaven's Scent)
Meet Liza, a lovely and talented young woman from the book Heaven Scent by Rebecca Talley. As Liza proves herself a basketball star, everyone—from college basketball recruiters to the gorgeous Kyle Reynolds—seems to take note of her. Everyone, that is, except her own father, who has buried himself in his law practice.
When yet another broken promise finally leads to tragedy, Liza doesn't know if she will ever be able to forgive her father. It will take a miracle straight from heaven to help Liza see that she still has hope.
Hope is the name of the perfume worn by Liza’s mother in Heaven Scent. It’s a soft floral blend of jasmine, freesia and mimosa. This fragrance is pivotal in convincing Liza that despite her new reality, her mother is never far from her. Hope reminds us that families are forever and we are constantly encircled by their love.
Full bath and body package includes pre-mixed Urban Botanic product—an 8 oz. shower gel or bubble bath (select option below), 8 oz. body lotion, 2 oz. parfum spray, lotion pump lid, and puff scrubby (color dependent upon stock at time of order).
If you're interested in learning more you can go here.
Hope (Heaven's Scent)
Meet Liza, a lovely and talented young woman from the book Heaven Scent by Rebecca Talley. As Liza proves herself a basketball star, everyone—from college basketball recruiters to the gorgeous Kyle Reynolds—seems to take note of her. Everyone, that is, except her own father, who has buried himself in his law practice.
When yet another broken promise finally leads to tragedy, Liza doesn't know if she will ever be able to forgive her father. It will take a miracle straight from heaven to help Liza see that she still has hope.
Hope is the name of the perfume worn by Liza’s mother in Heaven Scent. It’s a soft floral blend of jasmine, freesia and mimosa. This fragrance is pivotal in convincing Liza that despite her new reality, her mother is never far from her. Hope reminds us that families are forever and we are constantly encircled by their love.
Full bath and body package includes pre-mixed Urban Botanic product—an 8 oz. shower gel or bubble bath (select option below), 8 oz. body lotion, 2 oz. parfum spray, lotion pump lid, and puff scrubby (color dependent upon stock at time of order).
If you're interested in learning more you can go here.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Heaven Scent Blog Tour
First, some great news: Deseret Book will carry Heaven Scent. Woo hoo!
As I mentioned at the end of a previous post anyone who is interested in doing a blog tour for my book is invited to participate. I'd love to get the word out as much as possible.
I'd like to do the tour in June. If you'd like to participate:
1. Email me at rebecca@rebeccatalley.com and provide me with your snail mail address so I can send you my book (free, of course). Also, let me know what date(s) in June works best for you.
2. On your tour date, please post a review, a link to my blog and website, and an interview with me. You can send the questions to rebecca@rebeccatalley.com. I can also provide you with an image of my cover if you'd like to include that.
3. I will post a schedule of blogs that will be hosting me and will provide links to each blog.
That's about it. Woo hoo to the person that thought up blog tours. Since I don't live in a predominantly LDS area (okay, an area that hardly knows that the LDS Church exists) doing a live book tour would be difficult. I'm grateful I can do it in cyberspace and I especially appreciate all of you who have already volunteered to participate. Thank you :)
This will be fun!!
As I mentioned at the end of a previous post anyone who is interested in doing a blog tour for my book is invited to participate. I'd love to get the word out as much as possible.
I'd like to do the tour in June. If you'd like to participate:
1. Email me at rebecca@rebeccatalley.com and provide me with your snail mail address so I can send you my book (free, of course). Also, let me know what date(s) in June works best for you.
2. On your tour date, please post a review, a link to my blog and website, and an interview with me. You can send the questions to rebecca@rebeccatalley.com. I can also provide you with an image of my cover if you'd like to include that.
3. I will post a schedule of blogs that will be hosting me and will provide links to each blog.
That's about it. Woo hoo to the person that thought up blog tours. Since I don't live in a predominantly LDS area (okay, an area that hardly knows that the LDS Church exists) doing a live book tour would be difficult. I'm grateful I can do it in cyberspace and I especially appreciate all of you who have already volunteered to participate. Thank you :)
This will be fun!!
Thursday, March 13, 2008
News Article
I really haven't dropped off the face of the earth. I've just been so swamped with projects and trying to keep on top of the household chores. I'm also getting ready to attend the LDStorymakers conference next week.
I've been attempting to promote my book. I contacted the local newspaper where my kids attend school and asked if someone would be willing to do a feature article and/or review my book. I was told a resounding "no" because my book has religious/spiritual content and the Editor felt it wasn't right for the community. I then approached an area newspaper and asked the same thing. The Features Editor agreed to read my book.
Doug Johnston, the Public Relations Director at Cedar Fort, sent her a copy and within a week she contacted me. Not only did she enjoy the book, but she also mentioned she might pull out a Book of Mormon someone had given her and read it again. Is that cool or what? She was so complimentary and so kind. And, she wrote a great 1/2 page article for the Religion section of the newspaper. I'm thrilled she liked my book and I was very pleased to see the article with a large image of my cover. I've had positive feedback from people who've read the print edition and the online story.
In case you're interested, here's the link A message of hope: LDS writer makes debut with novel "Heaven Scent."
I so appreciate the article and all of the comments online about it. It was fun to see it in the newspaper and my sweet husband brought it home already framed for me.
I've been attempting to promote my book. I contacted the local newspaper where my kids attend school and asked if someone would be willing to do a feature article and/or review my book. I was told a resounding "no" because my book has religious/spiritual content and the Editor felt it wasn't right for the community. I then approached an area newspaper and asked the same thing. The Features Editor agreed to read my book.
Doug Johnston, the Public Relations Director at Cedar Fort, sent her a copy and within a week she contacted me. Not only did she enjoy the book, but she also mentioned she might pull out a Book of Mormon someone had given her and read it again. Is that cool or what? She was so complimentary and so kind. And, she wrote a great 1/2 page article for the Religion section of the newspaper. I'm thrilled she liked my book and I was very pleased to see the article with a large image of my cover. I've had positive feedback from people who've read the print edition and the online story.
In case you're interested, here's the link A message of hope: LDS writer makes debut with novel "Heaven Scent."
I so appreciate the article and all of the comments online about it. It was fun to see it in the newspaper and my sweet husband brought it home already framed for me.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Writing This and That
I've left my last post up longer than usual in an affort to entice you to read the first chapter of Heaven Scent and, hopefully, further entice you to purchase a copy. Did it work? Maybe I could try subliminal messages. (That reminds me of a Saturday Night Live skit decades ago that had someone--Kevin Nealon, maybe--talking and giving subliminal messages within the talk. Maybe I should do that as I talk to people. No, they'd probably just think I was looney. (They might be right!)
It's taken almost 2 weeks for Amazon to finally list my book accurately, but now it is listed as being available--woo hoo. I'm hoping bookstores will have it available soon.
A year ago I didn't know much about blogs, let alone write one. I now have my personal blog and I also contribute to the ANWA blog with several other LDS women. In about a week, we'll launch a blog of Cedar Fort authors to which I will also contribute. Lots of opportunities to write. I love it.
I'm getting ready, and very excited, to attend the LDStorymakers conference. I'm looking forward to meeting my "cyber buddies" and learning a lot from the conference classes. I'm also excited to attend the Whitney Gala. I can't wait to not only meet the authors whose books are finalists, but to witness the winners in each category. What a great idea to implement awards for the best in LDS fiction.
I've also joined LDStorymakers and have been enjoying getting to know the other Storymakers. What a fun group full of so much knowledge and willingness to help each other.
I love writing!
It's taken almost 2 weeks for Amazon to finally list my book accurately, but now it is listed as being available--woo hoo. I'm hoping bookstores will have it available soon.
A year ago I didn't know much about blogs, let alone write one. I now have my personal blog and I also contribute to the ANWA blog with several other LDS women. In about a week, we'll launch a blog of Cedar Fort authors to which I will also contribute. Lots of opportunities to write. I love it.
I'm getting ready, and very excited, to attend the LDStorymakers conference. I'm looking forward to meeting my "cyber buddies" and learning a lot from the conference classes. I'm also excited to attend the Whitney Gala. I can't wait to not only meet the authors whose books are finalists, but to witness the winners in each category. What a great idea to implement awards for the best in LDS fiction.
I've also joined LDStorymakers and have been enjoying getting to know the other Storymakers. What a fun group full of so much knowledge and willingness to help each other.
I love writing!
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Heaven Scent: Chapter One
I'm quite sure the UPS guy thinks I'm looney. I saw the big brown truck make its way down my driveway and immediately broke into a smile. Mr. UPS Man parked the truck and with every step he took toward my door, my smile widened until I was practically giddy as I opened the door and accepted my box. I rushed into the office and ripped open the box. I'm not sure, but I think a choir of angels broke into song while a heavenly light shone down on the box, illuminating . . . my books. Yes, I received my copies of Heaven Scent yesterday. What a rush.
Now, let me say that nothing is better than snuggling with a newborn baby, but this came close. To hold my book in my hands was not only surreal, but also satisfying to finally see the fruits of my labors. I'd like to share an excerpt of the first chapter with you.
Without further ado:
Chapter One
Liza tucked the basketball under her left arm and then formed a T with her hands.
“Time out, Aldrich Heights,” the tall, thin referee shouted as he pointed to Liza’s team.
Liza and her teammates ran off the court to meet their coach by the bench. Liza caught a glimpse of her mom and brother in the bleachers. Where was her dad? She’d begged him to come to her game and he’d said he would. Why wasn’t he there?
Coach Anderson tapped her on the shoulder. “Liza, pay attention. This is it. We have possession. We need to run the clock down. Leave only enough time to take one last shot. We can win this game.”
The girls nodded.
Liza glanced at the doorway and then back to the bleachers, but she couldn’t see her dad. Her stomach tightened.
Coach Anderson turned to Tamika. “I want you to throw the ball in to Liza.”
“Okay,” Tamika said.
Liza clenched her jaw. How could her dad miss this game?
“Liza, you take the last shot.”
“Huh?”
“Focus, Liza. We’re all depending on you. Can you handle it?”
Liza blinked her eyes. “Yeah.”
“Are you sure?” Coach Anderson asked.
Liza turned to her coach. “Yes.” She wiped the sweat from her face.
The buzzer sounded the end of time out. Liza’s team returned to the court.
“With ten seconds left on the clock, Aldrich Heights High has the chance to score and win this championship game,” the announcer boomed.
The referee handed the ball to Tamika and the sound of his whistle bounced off the walls of the immense gymnasium. Tamika threw a sharp pass to Liza. Liza glanced at the court clock. Ten. Nine. Eight. It was now or never. Driving toward the basket was her only choice. Her team trailed Roosevelt High by only one point and she couldn’t afford to waver, not even for a second. It was up to her. She had to win this game.
She dribbled past center court.
“Time is ticking,” came the announcer’s voice.
Seven. Six. Liza narrowed her eyes. Several girls stood between her and the basket, but no one would stand in the way of her goal. Five. Four. She inhaled deeply, darted toward the key, and took her best jump shot.
Whack. She felt a stinging sensation as rough hands slapped her hand and arm. The shrill sound of the referee’s whistle ripped through the air as she watched the ball bounce out of bounds.
“Foul on number two-one. Number fourteen, you’re at the free throw line,” the ref shouted above the jeering crowd. He handed the ball to Liza.
The announcer’s voice cracked as he said, “Liza Compton’s been fouled. Time has run out. This free throw will determine whether or not Aldrich High is still in the race for the California State Girls’ Basketball Championship.”
His words echoed in her ears. The beads of sweat pooled and trickled down her forehead. She licked her lips. This was the moment. Missing was not an option. She blew through her mouth, ran her fingers through her wet bangs, and cleared her mind.
The crowd for the opposing team whistled and hollered. Someone screamed, “You’ll never make this shot.”
Somebody else yelled, “You’ll miss!”
Her heart pounded. Carefully, methodically, she took aim. She locked her sight on the goal. She bent her knees, jumped up, and followed through with a flawless arc of her right hand.
A hushed silence fell over the crowd as the ball neared the basket, hit the rim, and bounced straight up. Liza bit her lower lip, her gaze fixed. In slow motion, the ball descended and finally swooshed through the net. She exhaled and let her head fall forward.
The home crowd exploded in applause and cheers. The score was tied.
The announcer cleared his throat and said, “If she makes this next basket, Aldrich Heights High School will have its first ever championship in girls’ basketball.”
The fans cheered. The referee again handed the ball to Liza. She bounced the ball three times and listened to its echo as it mimicked her own heartbeat. Basketball was the one thing in her life that she controlled, the one thing she understood, her constant. While everything and everyone else changed, basketball remained the same.
Liza’s head felt as if it were going to explode. This one free throw meant the difference between euphoric victory and endless regret.
In a low voice the announcer said, “This is the most important shot of Liza Compton’s basketball career.”
Liza held the smooth, round ball in her hands. For a brief moment, her concentration slipped while she searched the stands, hoping her dad would finally be there. Row after row she scoured the spectators. She glanced over at the double doors. Her gaze met her mother’s. Her mom gave a faint smile and shook her head. Liza knew exactly what that meant. How could he? Again.
She gritted her teeth and forced herself to focus only on the task ahead of her. She stared at the goal. This was the basket everyone would remember. She’d scored twenty-nine points for her team, a personal best, but none of that mattered. It didn’t even matter that she’d just made the free throw to tie the score. She had to make this basket. Her future depended on it.
She took her stance and let the ball go.
You can read the rest of the first chapter HERE.
My book is now available at CEDAR FORT and Amazon and should be in bookstores in March. Woo hoo!
Now, let me say that nothing is better than snuggling with a newborn baby, but this came close. To hold my book in my hands was not only surreal, but also satisfying to finally see the fruits of my labors. I'd like to share an excerpt of the first chapter with you.
Without further ado:
Chapter One
Liza tucked the basketball under her left arm and then formed a T with her hands.
“Time out, Aldrich Heights,” the tall, thin referee shouted as he pointed to Liza’s team.
Liza and her teammates ran off the court to meet their coach by the bench. Liza caught a glimpse of her mom and brother in the bleachers. Where was her dad? She’d begged him to come to her game and he’d said he would. Why wasn’t he there?
Coach Anderson tapped her on the shoulder. “Liza, pay attention. This is it. We have possession. We need to run the clock down. Leave only enough time to take one last shot. We can win this game.”
The girls nodded.
Liza glanced at the doorway and then back to the bleachers, but she couldn’t see her dad. Her stomach tightened.
Coach Anderson turned to Tamika. “I want you to throw the ball in to Liza.”
“Okay,” Tamika said.
Liza clenched her jaw. How could her dad miss this game?
“Liza, you take the last shot.”
“Huh?”
“Focus, Liza. We’re all depending on you. Can you handle it?”
Liza blinked her eyes. “Yeah.”
“Are you sure?” Coach Anderson asked.
Liza turned to her coach. “Yes.” She wiped the sweat from her face.
The buzzer sounded the end of time out. Liza’s team returned to the court.
“With ten seconds left on the clock, Aldrich Heights High has the chance to score and win this championship game,” the announcer boomed.
The referee handed the ball to Tamika and the sound of his whistle bounced off the walls of the immense gymnasium. Tamika threw a sharp pass to Liza. Liza glanced at the court clock. Ten. Nine. Eight. It was now or never. Driving toward the basket was her only choice. Her team trailed Roosevelt High by only one point and she couldn’t afford to waver, not even for a second. It was up to her. She had to win this game.
She dribbled past center court.
“Time is ticking,” came the announcer’s voice.
Seven. Six. Liza narrowed her eyes. Several girls stood between her and the basket, but no one would stand in the way of her goal. Five. Four. She inhaled deeply, darted toward the key, and took her best jump shot.
Whack. She felt a stinging sensation as rough hands slapped her hand and arm. The shrill sound of the referee’s whistle ripped through the air as she watched the ball bounce out of bounds.
“Foul on number two-one. Number fourteen, you’re at the free throw line,” the ref shouted above the jeering crowd. He handed the ball to Liza.
The announcer’s voice cracked as he said, “Liza Compton’s been fouled. Time has run out. This free throw will determine whether or not Aldrich High is still in the race for the California State Girls’ Basketball Championship.”
His words echoed in her ears. The beads of sweat pooled and trickled down her forehead. She licked her lips. This was the moment. Missing was not an option. She blew through her mouth, ran her fingers through her wet bangs, and cleared her mind.
The crowd for the opposing team whistled and hollered. Someone screamed, “You’ll never make this shot.”
Somebody else yelled, “You’ll miss!”
Her heart pounded. Carefully, methodically, she took aim. She locked her sight on the goal. She bent her knees, jumped up, and followed through with a flawless arc of her right hand.
A hushed silence fell over the crowd as the ball neared the basket, hit the rim, and bounced straight up. Liza bit her lower lip, her gaze fixed. In slow motion, the ball descended and finally swooshed through the net. She exhaled and let her head fall forward.
The home crowd exploded in applause and cheers. The score was tied.
The announcer cleared his throat and said, “If she makes this next basket, Aldrich Heights High School will have its first ever championship in girls’ basketball.”
The fans cheered. The referee again handed the ball to Liza. She bounced the ball three times and listened to its echo as it mimicked her own heartbeat. Basketball was the one thing in her life that she controlled, the one thing she understood, her constant. While everything and everyone else changed, basketball remained the same.
Liza’s head felt as if it were going to explode. This one free throw meant the difference between euphoric victory and endless regret.
In a low voice the announcer said, “This is the most important shot of Liza Compton’s basketball career.”
Liza held the smooth, round ball in her hands. For a brief moment, her concentration slipped while she searched the stands, hoping her dad would finally be there. Row after row she scoured the spectators. She glanced over at the double doors. Her gaze met her mother’s. Her mom gave a faint smile and shook her head. Liza knew exactly what that meant. How could he? Again.
She gritted her teeth and forced herself to focus only on the task ahead of her. She stared at the goal. This was the basket everyone would remember. She’d scored twenty-nine points for her team, a personal best, but none of that mattered. It didn’t even matter that she’d just made the free throw to tie the score. She had to make this basket. Her future depended on it.
She took her stance and let the ball go.
You can read the rest of the first chapter HERE.
My book is now available at CEDAR FORT and Amazon and should be in bookstores in March. Woo hoo!
Thursday, January 17, 2008
At Long Last . . . My cover
Isn't it beautiful?
Here's the back copy:
“She’d wanted her father to pay more attention to her, and she’d wanted her family to be like it used to be. She hadn’t wanted everything to change so drastically that she may not even survive it.”
As Liza excels physically, everyone—from college basketball recruiters to the gorgeous Kyle Reynolds—seems to take note of her. Everyone, that is, except her own father. While her father is busy at his law practice, Liza learns about a strange new religion from Kyle. Could Kyle’s religion help her family? Or is it already too late for her father to make amends?
When yet another broken promise finally leads to tragedy, Liza doesn’t know if she will ever be able to forgive her father. It will take a good friend, a new belief, and a miracle straight from heaven to help Liza see that she still has a choice. The compelling story of a high school basketball star, this is a novel every girl will want, and none will be able to put down!
I'm very excited. The book went to press on January 15th and should be in stores in March. I'll be holding a contest to give away a copy.
Woo-hoo!!!
Friday, December 7, 2007
Romantic Notions
Long before I actually started writing, I did ascribe to the romantic notion of sitting next to a window that overlooked the ocean, a soft fragrant the sea breeze wafting through the room, while I wrote the Great American Novel. (And I'd eat chocolate all day and never gain a pound).
Reality set in (especially since I live nowhere near the ocean and I haven't found any calorie-free chocolate) and I soon realized that if I wanted to write it would have to be between pregnancies, nursing babies, poopy diapers, barfing kids, homework, dishes, mountains of laundry, yard work, cooking, cleaning, chauffeuring, church callings, service to others and all the other day-to-day things. I decided that my desire to write was strong enough to motivate me to figure out how to work it in. I adapted.
This gave birth to a new romantic notion. After studying and practicing and studying and practicing, I would pound out nearly perfect manuscripts that would be accepted on the spot. You're laughing, aren't you? Well, it didn't take too long for me to realize the error of that notion. I adapted.
And, yes, a new romantic notion emerged. If a publisher liked my manuscript well enough to offer a contract on it, then it must mean I would not have to revise or rewrite any of it. It would be published just as I had submitted it. Maybe that's true for some. Maybe some writers can write so flawlessly that they never have to rewrite anything. I wish that were me, but it's not. Again, I adapted.
Cedar Fort accepted my YA LDS novel, Heaven Scent, several months ago. Since then, I have been revising it, making it better (I hope) with each revision. My editor is great, she's caught blunders and asked insightful questions so I could clarify the story. She told me this week they may move up my press date to January 15th. This is exciting news, but it's also a little scary.
I don't think I have any romantic notions left, except maybe, someday, that one of my stories will touch someone, somewhere, somehow. That's a notion I'll hang onto.
Reality set in (especially since I live nowhere near the ocean and I haven't found any calorie-free chocolate) and I soon realized that if I wanted to write it would have to be between pregnancies, nursing babies, poopy diapers, barfing kids, homework, dishes, mountains of laundry, yard work, cooking, cleaning, chauffeuring, church callings, service to others and all the other day-to-day things. I decided that my desire to write was strong enough to motivate me to figure out how to work it in. I adapted.
This gave birth to a new romantic notion. After studying and practicing and studying and practicing, I would pound out nearly perfect manuscripts that would be accepted on the spot. You're laughing, aren't you? Well, it didn't take too long for me to realize the error of that notion. I adapted.
And, yes, a new romantic notion emerged. If a publisher liked my manuscript well enough to offer a contract on it, then it must mean I would not have to revise or rewrite any of it. It would be published just as I had submitted it. Maybe that's true for some. Maybe some writers can write so flawlessly that they never have to rewrite anything. I wish that were me, but it's not. Again, I adapted.
Cedar Fort accepted my YA LDS novel, Heaven Scent, several months ago. Since then, I have been revising it, making it better (I hope) with each revision. My editor is great, she's caught blunders and asked insightful questions so I could clarify the story. She told me this week they may move up my press date to January 15th. This is exciting news, but it's also a little scary.
I don't think I have any romantic notions left, except maybe, someday, that one of my stories will touch someone, somewhere, somehow. That's a notion I'll hang onto.
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