American Idol Judges

I didn't watch AI last year, not even once. This year, I happened to find the first audition show by accident while I was folding clothes and I got sucked back in.

It's fascinating watching the auditions. Some of these people really can't sing, Why doesn't anyone tell them they can't sing? It's embarassing. I'm sure some of them purposely go to the auditions to be outrageous  knowing full well they can't sing, but I think some of them honestly believe they can sing. When the judges tell them no, they seem to be shocked. Some get so angry too. I don't want to laugh, but I can't help myself--does that make me a bad person? And then there are those who knock it out of the auditorium and create an orchestra just with teir voices. Amazing talent.

The judges are interesting this year. Randy Jackson has become the new Simon. He tells people they're bad and that they can't sing. He seems to have assumed this role because both Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez are very nice.

Watching Steven Tyler flirt with girls young enough to be his granddaughters is a little sickening. I mean, the man is old. He reminds me of Johnny Depp on Pirates--he acts a little off-kilter. I admit, I never listend to Aerosmith. At Hollywood Studios in Florida, there's a ride calle Rockin' Rollercoaster--one of the best rollercoasters ever--and it is supposedly a limo ride to get backstage for an Aerosmith concert. There are posters of the group on the walls. They sure liked to dress up like women. And Steven Tyler looked a lot different back in the day. However, he's been in the business for decades so I think he knows what's what and he's a great addition as a judge.

Jennifer Lopez is also a great addtion. she's been in the business for years, she's a great singer herself, and she understands what it takes to be a pop star. She's been really nice, but she's also been honest.

I like this set of judges and I'm looking forward to this season of American Idol.

Interview, Giveaway, Guest Post

Three different blogs are featuring me and/or my book, including a giveaway, if you'd like a chance to win a copy.

If you want to learn a little more about me, check out A Story Book World.

Fire and Ice is featuring a chance to win a copy of my book and a guest post that I wrote about my son. This same guest post is at Parenting Partner.

Thanks!

Out of My Comfort Zone

I did a book signing the weekend before last. The signing was great, but I learned even more on the way home. The four of us, Tristi Pinkston, Daron Fraley, Don Carey, and I stopped at libraries and bookstores between Logan and Salt Lake. Following Tristi's lead, I learned from a fearless master to step out of my comfort zone and approach people about my book.

I don't have a problem talking to people. I can talk for a long time (just ask my kids), but talking to someone about my author self and my books is something altogether different. I always feel funny talking up my book because I feel like I'm bragging and being conceited or something. I love to talk writing and I love my books, but I don't want people to think of me as a salesperson trying to pawn off my books. Yet, if I don't talk about my books than I may not be doing part of my job as an author. It's a catch-22 for me.

I used to think being an author meant I wrote books. That's true, but that isn't the whole picture. Promotion and marketing are a big part of being an author. With so many great LDS books by so many talented authors, how will I stand out, especially if I don't try to promote mine? And, yet, I feel like that obnoxious car salesman that won't leave you alone for two seconds. 

I haven't been too vocal about my books in the area where I live. I have visited, and even done a book launch, at an area LDS bookstore (I've known the owners forever) and I've contacted the newspaper to do an article. But, other than that, I leave my promotion to what I can do online because I'm way cooler online. But, after watching Mistress Tristi in action, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and try a few more things in my area.

I visited an area library and asked if I could leave bookmarks, but was told I couldn't. I then visited Hastings Bookstore and asked again. Not only did they allow me to leave bookmarks, but asked if I'd like to do a book signing. A few days later, I visited another nearby library. After slipping on the ice and landing in a snowbank, I wiped myself off, shook the snow out of my shoe, dusted off my purse, and asked if I could leave bookmarks. I was pleasantly surprised when the librarian there agreed to let me. I then went to a bookstore near that library and was able to leave bookmarks. The gentleman even asked me to call back so they could get more information and help promote a local author. Hooray!!

I'd still much rather write than promote. And if I never had to promote again, I'd be happy. But, it is what it is and stepping out of my comfort zone didn't actually kill me so I may try it again. Someday.

Kaylee Baldwin Author of Meg's Melody

I'd like to introduce a new author to you. Her name is Kaylee Baldwin.

Kaylee grew up in Mesa, Arizona, and graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in English literature.


She currently lives in southern Arizona with her husband, Jeremy, and their three children. When she is not writing, Kaylee enjoys reading, starting new craft projects, and spending time with her family.

You can learn more about Kaylee at her website http://www.kayleebaldwin.com/.



I recently reviewed her book, Meg's Melody here. I loved the book. In fact, I nominated it for a Whitney Award. Here's the official back cover copy:

 
She paced the small confines of her bathroom as she waited the obligatory two minutes for the result. Yet, part of her sensed the truth. Not only did Austin take her self-esteem and plans for happiness, but he also took her get-out-of-this-marriage-free card.


The plus sign glared at Meg from the white plastic frame of the pregnancy test. The test fell from her hands and clattered into the bathtub as Meg’s back slid against the wall until she reached the floor.

“I’m pregnant,” she said into the quiet.


Meg never imagined she'd end up like this. With nowhere else to turn, she's forced to rely on the family she pushed away, the church she abandoned, and an unexpected friendship to help her find her forgotten melody. Meanwhile Matt is still mourning the loss of his wife. But determined to keep things together for his daughter's sake, he decides starting over in a new place might be just what his family needs.


This touching story combines romance with redemption and real conflict to remind you it's never too late to find joy. Kaylee Baldwin's capable hand renders a sincere, heartfelt story of rediscovery and hope. Perfect for romantics of all ages, this book will captivate your heart and rekindle your belief in the magic of music.

Kaylee is holding a contest. If you leave a comment here or at any of the blogs listed below you will be entered into a drawing to receive a copy of Meg's Melody.

January 10th
Shanda at LDSWBR

January 11th
Tristi Pinkston

January 12th
Jolene Perry

January 13th
Shaunna Gonzales

January 15th
Taffy Lowell

January 17th
Heather at Fire and Ice

January 18th
Marsha Ward

January 19th
Alison Palmer

January 20th
I am a Reader Not a Writer

You can purchase Meg's Melody at Deseret Book and Amazon. I recommend you read it, it's a great story.

Book Signing Report

Left to right: Don Carey, Tristi Pinkston, Rebecca Talley, Daron Fraley

Last Saturday, Tristi Pinkston, Don Carey, Daron Fraley, and I had a book signing at The Book Table in Logan, UT. Super cool bookstore. I could've wandered through that store for hours. We had a lot of fun and even sold some books. We also visited other bookstores and libraries between Logan and Salt Lake and dropped off bookmarks. It was great to meet people and what's better than a bookstore for a group of authors? I had to control myself so I didn't buy all the books in the store. It was a successful and fun day!

Someone posted a very nice review of The Upside of Down on Amazon and over 200 people have added it to their shelves on Goodreads. Every time I look at the cover, it makes me want to have a newborn.

Thanks for all of the support!

Winners of Giveaway

Wow! I'm blown away by the response to my giveaway on the Dreaming of Books Giveaway Hop. I'm so happy with the response and the support. Thank you so much for participating!!

Since the response was so wonderful, I've decide to give away 2 books. Yay!!

The winners, as selected by http://www.random.org/ are: Janelle and Ellie. I've sent you emails so you can send me your addresses and I'll get the books in the mail right away.

Thank you so much for all the great comments--I really appreciate it! This book is very close to my heart and I hope readers will enjoy it.

Dreaming of Books Giveaway Hop

Welcome to the Dreaming of Books Giveaway Hop. This is the first time I've participated and I'm excited!

The giveaway I'm offering is a copy of my new book, The Upside of Down.

Here's the back cover copy:

"Hmmm," the doctor muttered.
Natalie wrinkled her forehead, almost afraid to ask, and said, "What does that mean?"
"You do know you're pregnant, right?"
Her breath caught in her throat. "Excuse me?"
"You're pregnant."
Her heartbeat thundered in her ears. "I'm what?"

Natalie Drake certainly has her hands full raising a large family, dealing with her difficult mother, and maintaining a relationship with her rebellious teenager. Just when things seem to be going smoothly, she finds out another unexpected surprise--she's going to have a baby. Faced with so many challenges, Natalie must learn to trust in a plan that isn't what she imagined and discover that every situation has an upside.

Rebecca Talley once again carefully crafts together a touching and heartfelt story that is sure to inspire you. With true-to-life characters and situations, The Upside of Down will reignite your faith and remind you of the importance of family.

To be entered, you can do one (or more) of the following and just leave a comment letting me know what you did. Each one counts as one entry into the giveaway contest.

1. Become a follower of my blog.
2. Sign up for my newsletter (I promise I won't spam you) located in the right column of my blog under my photo.
3. "Like" my author page on Facebook.
That's it. The hop runs through midnight January 17th. I'll draw a name on January 18th using http://www.random.org./ Be sure to check back on January 18th.

Have fun!