Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Wheeee. WIN AN ARC for HOW I LOST YOU!

Nothing says happy like finding a box at your front door marked by "Sourcebooks."

I was thrilled, really amazingly overexcited I think, to get my ARC's for HOW I LOST YOU. They are so freaking pretty. A beautfiul orangey color with green. It's very delightful to me. I actually kissed them.

Yes. I. Did.

It's funny how each book is different and special in some way, but I have to say I did LOVE getting these arcs (whispers) the most of all my books. Wheee!!!! Now I only hope the CONTENT is as good as the cover!!

To celebrate, I'm going to give away an ARC of HOW I LOST YOU. All you have to do is leave a comment and you're entered. How easy is that? I'll cut this off  the morning of the 5th and do the draw on January 5.  HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

HOW I LOST YOU

Grace and Kya always do everything together, and nothing can get in the way of their friendship. They have a pact: Sisters Before Misters. Buds Before Studs.

Only Grace knows what Kya's been through, or how much she needs someone to stick by her. No Matter What. Besides, Kya keeps life exciting-pulling Grace into things she'd never dare do on her own.

But inch by inch, daring is starting to turn dangerous. And Grace will have to decide how far she can go to save her friendship with Kya...before she ends up losing everything else.


Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! 
My gift to you! 

A Free Download of Playing for Keeps by J.E. MacLeod for three days only! 


Thanks to all who have supported my books over the last couple of years. It's been a fun and fabulous ride!



Here's looking forward to 2013 and a new May release called HOW I LOST YOU. For everyone who has ever had a fight with their best friend. Or worse, lost one.



Monday, December 24, 2012

Day 12 YA CONTEMP- HOW I LOST YOU!

You knew it was coming, right?? HOW I LOST YOU!! by ummmm...me!!!!

I'm pretty fond of this book coming out in May 2013. It's a book about best friends. The incredible bond and hard lessons we learn from them. Plus there's PAINTBALL.
Win. Win.






HOW I LOST YOU by Janet Gurtler
 
There are a few things Grace Anderson knows for sure. One is that nothing will ever come between her and her best friend, Kya Kessler. They have a pact. Buds Before Studs. Sisters Before Misters. But in the summer before senior year, life throws out challenges they never expected. And suddenly the person who's always been there starts to need the favor returned. Grace and Kya are forced to question how much a best friend can forgive. And the answer is not what they expected.




You can PRE-ORDER HOW I LOST YOU now!

INDIE STORES

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Indigo/Chapters

Sunday, December 23, 2012

12 Days of Contemporary YA Falling for You by Lisa Schroeder - Day 11

I'm a huge fan of Lisa's books. They're always so beautiful and emotional and sing with life.  Of course I can't wait for her new one FALLING FOR YOU.  Cover crush much??

 
FALLING FOR YOU releases January 1st 2013! A New Year's Book!

 
 
FALLING FOR YOU by LISA SCHROEDER
 
Rae's always dreamed of dating a guy like Nathan. He’s nothing like her abusive stepfather—in other words, he’s sweet. But the closer they get, the more Nathan wants of her time, of her love, of her...and the less she wants to give.

As Rae’s affection for Nathan turns to fear, she leans on her friend Leo for support. With Leo, she feels lighter, happier. And possessive Nathan becomes jealous.

Then a tragedy lands Rae in the ICU. Now, hovering between life and death, Rae must find the light amid the darkness…and the strength to fight for life and the love she deserves.

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Day 10 of 12 Days of YA Contemp- OCD Love Story by Corey Ann Haydu

I'm a total sucker for messed up stories about messed up people. I mean that in a total good way. Right?  So this caught my eye. A girl who knows what she needs but also knows what she wants. They're not always the same thing. They're not always good for us!

Coming July 23rd, 2013, I look forward to this one!




OCD Love Story

When Bea meets Beck, she knows instantly that he's her kind of crazy. Sweet, strong, kinda-messed-up Beck understands her like no one else can. He makes her feel almost normal. He makes her feel like she could fall in love again.

But despite her feelings for Beck, Bea can't stop thinking about someone else: a guy who is gorgeous and magnetic... and has no idea Bea even exists. But Bea knows a ton about him. She spends a lot of time watching him. She has a journal full of notes. Some might even say she's obsessed.

Bea tells herself she's got it all under control, but this isn't a choice, it's a compulsion. The truth is, she's breaking down... and she might end up breaking her own heart.

Friday, December 21, 2012

Day 9 of 12 Days of Contemporary YA- Golden by Jessi Kirby

I loved IN HONOR by Jessi Kirby so this book has to go on my list.  It has flavours of mystery and good girl rebelling, so what's NOT to like?? Plus. She has a really cool author name. Jessi Kirby. Right? Me like.


 
Golden releases May 14, 2013!



GOLDEN by Jessi Kirby

Seventeen-year-old Parker Frost may be a distant relative of Robert Frost, but she has never taken the road less traveled. Valedictorian and quintessential good girl, she’s about to graduate high school without ever having kissed her crush or broken the rules. So when fate drops a mystery in her lap—one that might be the key to uncovering the truth behind a town tragedy, she decides to take a chance.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Day 8 of 12 Days of YA Contemporary- Over You by Amy Reed

I've read a couple of Amy Reed's books and really enjoyed them and this one sounds really good! Also, I love her covers and this one is hard core. And the main character's name is Max for a girl and I highly approve of male names for female characters, so win win.  Coming July 2013!!


 
 
OVER YOU
 
Max would follow Sadie anywhere, so when Sadie decides to ditch her problems and escape to Nebraska for the summer, it’s only natural for Max to go along. She is Sadie’s confidante, her protector, and her best friend. This summer will be all about them. This summer will be perfect.
But that’s before they meet Dylan.
Dylan is dangerous and intoxicating, and he awakens something in Max that she never knew existed. No matter how much she wants to, she can’t back away.
But Sadie has her own intensity, and has never allowed Max to become close with anyone else. And Max doesn’t know who she is without Sadie.

There are some problems you just can’t escape.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Day 7 of 12 Days of Contemporary- Bruised by Sara Skilton



I love the premise of this book. As soon as you hear what it's about you can FEEL for the main character. I can't wait to read it! It's out  March 5, 2013, so not so long a wait!


BRUISED

When Imogen, a sixteen-year-old black belt in Tae Kwon Do, freezes during a holdup at a local diner, the gunman is shot and killed by the police, and she blames herself for his death. Before the shooting, she believed that her black belt made her stronger than everyone else -- more responsible, more capable. But now her sense of self has been challenged and she must rebuild her life, a process that includes redefining her relationship with her family and navigating first love with the boy who was at the diner with her during the shootout.

With action, romance, and a complex heroine, Bruised introduces a vibrant new voice to the young adult world -- full of dark humor and hard truths.


While on the GET REAL CONTEMPS tour, Sarah, (HEY ANOTHER SARAH IN YA) came out with her cute little baby boy!  That has nothing to do with anything really, but they were both super cute.  Anyhow, BRUISED sounds so good. I love dark humor and I love hard truths! Can't wait!

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Day 6 of 12 Days of YA Contemporary- I'm With Stupid by Geoff Herbach

Ah. Geoff Herbach. He is a treasure. His books are hilarious, laugh out loud funny and also very touching.  Great books for boys, but girls love them too!

All three YA's in the "Stupid series" have been selected as Junior Library Guild Selections. Quite a feat! And well deserved. Also. If he is ever in your area to do a book reading, you should go. Geoff met up with us for the GET REAL CONTEMPS TOUR in November and blew everyone away when he read from Stupid Fast. Truly.

Anyhow. Geoff has a new Felton book out this May and it has the best title ever! I'M WITH STUPID.  Right?? A must read! Coming May 1, 2013!




I'M WITH STUPID

It's nerd-turned-jock Felton Reinstein's last year before college, and the choices he makes now will affect the rest of his life. That's a lot of pressure. So, he's going to make a list. What would he be if he weren't a jock? He'll try everything—comedian, partier, super student—and which ever identity he likes best he'll stick with. Poof. Stress gone.

Except not... Because the list leads to:
1. The whole state of Wisconsin hating him.
2. His track coach suspending him.
3. His mom moving out.
Before leaving home forever, Felton will have to figure out just who he is, even if, sometimes, it sucks to be him.

Monday, December 17, 2012

Day 5 of 12 Days of Contemporary YA- Truly, Madly, Deadly by Hannah Jayne

Okay, I met Hannah in the summer at RWA and she was super nice and awesome. Also my wedding song was Truly, Madly Deeply. True story. Anyhow, her book just sounds SO GOOD that I can't wait until it comes out!

JULY 2013 People!

Check OUT this blurb:

 
TRULY, MADLY, DEADLY by Hannah Jayne

Sawyer Dodd has it all. She's a star track athlete, choir soloist, and A-student. And her boyfriend is the handsome all-star Kevin Anderson. But behind the medals, prom pictures, and perfect smiles, Sawyer finds herself trapped in a controlling, abusive relationship with Kevin. When he dies in a drunk-driving accident, Sawyer is secretly relieved. She's free. Until she opens her locker and finds a mysterious letter signed by "an admirer" and printed with two simple words: "You're welcome."


Right?? And now you want to read it to find out who wrote that and why. Am I right??

There's NO COVER yet, but I'll post it when it is available. Another GREAT book from Sourcebooks Fire (okay, yes, I am fond of them)

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Day 4 of 12 Days of YA Contemporary- The Moon and More

Ah, Sarah Dessen you are a treasure to read. And hey, what is it with the Sarah's in the contemporary world? Zarr, Dessen, Ockler. Such a gifted name in YA!

I am a huge fan of everything Sarah Dessen. And I absolutely love this cover. Such pretty covers, a balancing act from a pretty girl who could be anyone. You?? Yes. And well done.  Notice how big her name is compared to the title. That says YOU'RE FABULOUS, Ms. Dessen!!

 
THE MOON AND MORE

Luke is the perfect boyfriend: handsome, kind, fun. He and Emaline have been together all through high school in Colby, the beach town where they both grew up. But now, in the summer before college, Emaline wonders if perfect is good enough.

Enter Theo, a super-ambitious outsider, a New Yorker assisting on a documentary film about a reclusive local artist. Theo's sophisticated, exciting, and, best of all, he thinks Emaline is much too smart for Colby.
 
Emaline's mostly-absentee father, too, thinks Emaline should have a bigger life, and he's convinced that an Ivy League education is the only route to realizing her potential. Emaline is attracted to the bright future that Theo and her father promise. But she also clings to the deep roots of her loving mother, stepfather, and sisters. Can she ignore the pull of the happily familiar world of Colby?

Emaline wants the moon and more, but how can she balance where she comes from with where she's going? Sarah Dessen's devoted fans will welcome this story of romance, yearning, and, finally, empowerment. It could only happen in the summer.
 

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Day 3 of 12 Days of Contemporary-The Lucy Variations by Sara Zarr

Sigh. Le Sara Zarr.  I love her writing so much, and I love her presence on Twitter equally. She seems like one of those authors you'd love to sit down and book talk with. She's one of my fave contemp authors, no list of mine would be complete without Sara Zarr on the list.

Her new book is coming out May, 2013! Can't wait!



THE LUCY VARIATIONS by Sara Zarr

Lucy Beck-Moreau once had a promising future as a concert pianist. The right people knew her name, her performances were booked months in advance, and her future seemed certain.

That was all before she turned fourteen.

Now, at sixteen, it's over. A death, and a betrayal, led her to walk away. That leaves her talented ten-year-old brother, Gus, to shoulder the full weight of the Beck-Moreau family expectations. Then Gus gets a new piano teacher who is young, kind, and interested in helping Lucy rekindle her love of piano -- on her own terms. But when you're used to performing for sold-out audiences and world-famous critics, can you ever learn to play just for yourself?

National Book Award finalist Sara Zarr takes readers inside the exclusive world of privileged San Francisco families, top junior music competitions, and intense mentorships. The Lucy Variations is a story of one girl's struggle to reclaim her love of music and herself. It's about finding joy again, even when things don't go according to plan. Because life isn't a performance, and everyone deserves the chance to make a few mistakes along the way.

Friday, December 14, 2012

Day 2 of 12 Days of Contemporary- This is WAR by Lisa and Laura Roecker

Coming from my two favorite author sisters- Lisa and Laura Roecker!!! They are the nicest people IN THE WORLD and they write fabulous books on top of that. I am a huge fan!!! So, I am super excited to read their new book coming out in JULY 2013. It's so super seeeekrit, it doesn't even have a revealed cover yet. I eagerly await it!!!

Lisa and Laura Roecker. Author sisters! Coming in July. This is WAR!


Here's the blurb and the link to Goodreads

THIS IS WAR by Lisa and Laura Roecker

At Hawthorne Lake Country Club your trust fund can’t buy you happiness, but if it’s big enough, it almost always buys innocence. When Willa Ames-Rowan drowns in Hawthorne Lake everyone who’s anyone knows James Gregory is the one who killed her. But no one will ever say a word.

Enter The WAR. Four girls, four motives to avenge Willa’s death, and only one rule: Destroy the Gregory brothers at any cost. The girls pool their trust funds and devise a series of elaborate pranks to deliver their own particular brand of vigilante justice. Innocence is lost, battles are won, but it’s the truth about what really happened that night that stands to destroy them all.



Stay tuned, I'll update this post when the cover is revealed.

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Day 1 of 12 Days of YA Contemporary- MY LIFE AFTER NOW

To CELEBRATE the 12 days of Christmas, I thought I'd go with 12 YA Contemporary Books I'm looking forward to reading in 2013! If you have any more suggestions, please feel free to ad them!!

Day 1
A new book from Sourcebooks Fire.  The cover is gorgeous, yes?? The light streaming in...the red dress. Beautiful.



MY LIFE AFTER NOW

WHAT NOW?

Lucy just had the worst week ever. Seriously, mega bad. And suddenly, it’s all too much—she wants out. Out of her house, out of her head, out of her life. She wants to be a whole new Lucy. So she does something the old Lucy would never dream of.

And now her life will never be the same. Now, how will she be able to have a boyfriend? What will she tell her friends? How will she face her family? Now, every moment is a precious gift. She never thought being positive could be so negative. But now, everything’s different…because now she’s living with HIV.



I was lucky enough to read the ARC and I must say, I really loved this book. Lucy is a real character with an interesting family and she makes a really bad decision and is then faced with heart wrenching consequences. I love books where you can see how this COULD happen to you and imagine how YOU would handle it as you move through the main character's story.

It's an emotional story about a life that is changed forever by one mistake. Worth reading!

Thursday, November 22, 2012

GET REAL Day 5- Arizona and Changing Hands!


I've always had a bit of a crush on Arizona. How can you not? The weather. The Cactus. The cool architecture? And now I can add a couple more things to my list.


Miranda, Bailey, Laura, Robin, Lisa and me!
An AMAZING BOOKSTORE- CHANGING HANDS. So many cute things in the store I almost went into 'want' overload. And Robin. The hostess with the mostess. She sure knows how to put on an event! They get some crazy cool people at that bookstore, and it was an honor to be included.


And Bailey Hewlett. The cutest blogger ever who took us all for the most amazing pizza. I still dream about that pizza. True story.  Bailey also interviewed us for her blog.
Find Bailey's Post and Video Here

This was a really amazing event and I had so much fun.



Yup. We had Baskin Robbin's!

Aprilynne Pike came by! Amazing Author and local. And Kimberly Little also drove out for the Get Real event, she's another amazing YA author. Lots of other wonderful bloggers who we got to go for ice cream with after. And sit OUTSIDE in the SUNSHINE eating it. In NOVEMBER. Let's just say it made this Canadian girl happy.

We got to stay the night in Chandler and then up early the next morning to go meet up with our SPECIAL GUEST STAR Geoff Herbach (Stupid Fast). Good bye warm GET REAL tour weather. We were on to Minneapolis!

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

GET REAL TOUR Day 3 and 4!!

Whoa. I think I'm STILL recovering from the jet lag and excitement. But finally, here's Day 3 and 4 in Reader's Digest form!!

We were still in the California sunshine on Day 3 and had quite a bit of free time in the morning to enjoy it! I started my day with some writing and then went for a walk along a board walk and smiled at the sunshine. Yes I really did. Later I did some more writing of Book 5 (which may be called BECAUSE OF YOU in case you are keeping track or anything)

Actually, Miranda was busy writing the whole trip as she had an earlier deadline for her upcoming book Racing Savanah! So while the sisters went to brunch and got their toe nails done, we did a little work and then met up in the lobby and then headed to Alamdea California!

In the afternoon we went to another amazing bookstore, BOOKS INC and were delighted by Jerry, our wonderful host who rumor has it, has a disco ball in his living room. It was a great event and we were SO excited to meet more bloggers, including Bella from Paranormal and Jean from Jean the Book Nerd! She even gave us buttons! The ladies were super fun and it was a great event!

Afterwards we rushed back to the car to hurry to the airport. On the way we spotted a car that was literally smoking and on fire. A fender bender that was thankfully dent free happened, a couple more mishaps and things that shall remain on tour and then we were back in the airport to catch a flight to LA!

The next day, Lisa and Laura had relatives to lunch with and Miranda wanted to write, so I wandered around Promenade Avenue in LA and enjoyed the sun and some awesome buskers! Such a treat. We then all met up at Barnes and Nobles for a signing and presentation! Shane from 3rd Street B&N was a great host and had most awesome shoes. Here's some of the swag that was given away at the event!
Afterwards we had time to go to dinner.  As the old lady on the trip I was super double duper excited to be asked for ID at a bar. Seriously I know the bouncer was only doing it to be nice to me but I still thought it was one of the best things EVER!!! And he pretended to think I was young. Ha ha ha!!! I professed love to him forever and ever.

After a great dinner we were off to a late flight to Arizona.  For Day 4!! Planes and automobiles. Trains come later!

Friday, November 16, 2012

COVER REVEAL- How I Lost You!

I still have to finish my GET REAL tour updates and I promise they're coming. But let's pause for a moment and stare at my new cover for HOW I LOST YOU. It's out May 1st. A book about the incredible bond of best friends!

**

Grace and Kya always do everything together, and nothing can get in the way of their friendship. They have a pact: Sisters Before Misters. Buds Before Studs.

Only Grace knows what Kya's been through, or how much she needs someone to stick by her. No Matter What. Besides, Kya keeps life exciting-pulling Grace into things she'd never dare do on her own.

But inch by inch, daring is starting to turn dangerous. And Grace will have to decide how far she can go to save her friendship with Kya...before she ends up losing everything else.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

GET REAL Tour Day Two- CALIFORNIA

The Canadian on the book tour, aka, ME was so thrilled to stop down in San Francisco because it was super warm and delightful.  There should NOT be snow in October,  Mother Nature. Just saying!


Lisa reading from Lies That Bind
So we all started early, met up in the lobby at 6am and off to the airport to drop off our car. The car rental dudes were most annoying and took up lots of extra time at the drop off. I've never been to such friggin huge airports where you have to take shuttles just to get to the rental places. So we shuttled off to the gates and we were running late. We begged and pleaded to get our baggage checked and ran and sweated our way to the security line.  I had a momentary moment of travel rage when a rude boy butted in front of me as I was racing to get through and to the gate on time.  Fortunately it was momentary.

I also was asked to remove my sweater and underneath I had on a see through shirt. I apologize to all the other travellers for that little incident.

Luckily we got our flights on time and the car rental in San Francisco was easy peasy.

Miranda reading from Catching Jordan

Our first stop was for FOOD as we were all starving. We ate quickly in the car before rushing to ALBANY high school.  We met with a lovely group of students in the library and then presented to a classroom full of kids who were funny and asked lots of questions.  A couple of the boys also whistled at Lisa and Laura, which made me giggle.  Honestly, I would have whistled at them too. Not only were they born with talent and personality plus, they're beautiful!!
With Librarian Sara O!
Rena from A Great Good Book Place!
After the school visit we checked into our hotel and then were off to a quick dinner at an Italian restaurant....mmmmmmm.  We then went to the most adorable book store called A GREAT GOOD PLACE for books. Owner Kathleen Caldwell was amazing as were Rena and Carolyn. We also met Nancy, Tales of a Ravenous Read and others and had an intimate chat about books.  Such a great time!

Monday, November 12, 2012

Get Real Book Tour Day 1!

Wow!

So I'm back from a whirlwind GET REAL book tour with  fellow Contemporary Sourcebooks authors, Miranda Kenneally, author of Catching Jordan and Stealing Parker and Lisa and Laura Roecker, authors of The Liar Society and The Lies that Bind!

It was a pretty amazing time to say the least. Super busy most days and lots of sleep deprivation but I have to say that these ladies were amazing to travel with. We had lots and lots of laughs and met some amazing book bloggers, librarians, teachers, book sellers and readers along the way.  The GET REAL tour was a great opportunity to get out and talk about our contemporary books. Contemp for the win!!!

We did nine cities in 10 days, so it all kind of runs together when I try to remember the tour as a whole, so I thought the best bet would be to break it down and do it day by day!

DAY ONE- SEATTLE
Third Place Books


We all arrived in Seattle at different times, so the other authors picked me up from the airport and we had a couple hours to see a little bit of Seattle before the book store event.

It was pretty surreal to be standing at the curb at the airport in Seattle and hear my name being shouted out. Miranda, Lisa and Laura were all in the car and buzzing with good tour starting energy! I hopped in and off we went! 

We had all had the chance to meet at ALA in California in the summer so it was like meeting up with old friends! We drove into Seattle and got to go on a gigantic Seattle Ferris Wheel.  Then we checked out a cool market and I saw lots of dead fish! Always a great start to a book tour?!


After paying off our PARKING TICKET (true), we went off to dinner. We met up with MANDY HUBBARD, amazing author and agent extraordinaire.  At THIRD PLACE BOOKS we were greeted by manager Wendy. I also got to meet lovely author Stasia Ward Kehoe. Katherine Bond fellow Sourcebooks author and her son also came out to hear us chat!

Blogger Anna Pett of Peace Love and Fiction, is adorable and energetic and gave each of us Book Magnets. We all squeed over them!

It was a great first day and afterwards we got back to our hotel and I was awarded with a fresh hot cookie which I scarfed back immediately before bed!

I'm  excited to go BACK to Seattle for ALA in January. Such a beautiful city, very much like Vancouver in BC! Can't wait to explore it a little more!  See you in JANUARY!!!

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Booklist likes WHO I KISSED!

A great review from Booklist!! Yay!!




Can kissing kill? Sammy is condemned to believe so, and her classmates are only too quick to agree. In the confusing whirl of a party, when another girl is making a hostile takeover of the boy Sammy really likes, Sammy bounces to another admirer. In a turn of events that may strain credulity at first, Sammy’s kissing partner, Alex, goes into anaphylactic shock and dies on his way to the hospital. (Alex had a severe peanut allergy, and it turns out that Sammy ate a peanut butter sandwich before the party.) New to the school and just beginning to make social strides, Sammy retreats into tortured guilt and isolation, gives up her passion of swimming, and goes into therapy. There is more to the truth, of course, and the story resolves in a believable way. Without excess heavy-handedness, Gurtler weaves a tale of collective responsibility as several teens reflect on their actions that one fateful night. A well-crafted story about a student’s fight to feel normal again when a community of peers turns on her. — Anne O’Malley

Monday, October 15, 2012

Who I Kissed Book Launch

Tiptoeing in to the blog. I've been quiet, yes? Well. Not really, but quiet on here.

So now WHO I KISSED is out in the world. On the shelves! Have you bought your copy? Tee hee. I hope so!

I had my launch party this weekend at my local INDIGO CHAPTERS store. An amazing set up and the best staff and management to make sure it all went smoothly.  I love me some booksellers!!

My book cookies arrived in the final hour, in time for the party. So pretty, and as a bonus, very delicious!

And then we had the CUPCAKES. I ordered small ones this time and they were so pretty and so good!

I was really happy with all the wonderful people who came out for the event.  My friends, swimmers and two of my fave teen readers, Hailey (like the comet, ha ha, Hailey I got it right) and Shy. And thanks to my writer peeps too. And Angela Ackerman for taking such awesome photos!!

The staff at Chapters SHAWNESSY were so great and I got to meet one of the staff who I met on twitter!

It's really cool to get dressed in real clothes and put on make-up and actually talk to people in a bookstore where the end result of all my sitting on my butt alone and typing into a laptop finally comes to life. Long run on sentence, but it really is the best way to celebrate having a book in book stores!

Soon I'll be doing a cover reveal for my next book out in May, 2013 called HOW I LOST YOU. And I'm working on another new book that will come out in 2014!

Thanks to everyone who has been supporting me and my books along the way. BLOGGERS YAY! BOOKSELLERS YAY! LIBRARIES AND LIBRARIANS YAY! READERS  YAY YAY!! And of course all my supportive and wonderful friends and family!!!

From Angela....

Bieber longs for WHO I KISSED.


Sunday, September 30, 2012

WHO I KISSED LAUNCH

AHH!!!!!!!!!

WHO I KISSED is alive on October 1st.

It's ALIVE!!!!

Out in the world!

You know what that means...don't you.....

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Peanut Allergy, Food allergies and Asthma Safety

I recently was looking for information on peanut allergies and came across this really good article with tips for asthma, peanut allergies and other allergies. Great information even if your child doesn't have to deal with it themselves. Chances are someone they know will and does and kids honestly are very protective of the kids who have allergies.

Dr. Clifford Bassett, an NYU allergist recently talked about a rise in the number of peanut allergies.
Here some more information from Dr. Bassett:

Back to school Allergy and Asthma Guide
14 million school absences per year due to allergies and asthma in the USA

Be aware of allergy and asthma triggers in the classroom.
Common physical activities, games, and exercise may provoke difficulty breathing, and/or asthma.
Have your child’s rescue inhaler available for use at school.
Give your child’s written asthma action plan to school nurse.
If your child has food allergies, It would be prudent that he or she bring a bagged lunch to school to avoid the temptation of food sharing.
Talk to the teacher if your child has pet allergies.
If your child has an allergy stinging insects (bees, wasps, etc.) he or she needs to have an epinephrine auto injector immediately available at school as well as an allergist directed plan in place.
Carpet and rugs in the classroom can help to stir up indoor allergies and asthma.
Use fragrance-free cleaning products in the classroom.

Dining Out with Food Allergies
1. Notify manager, chef, and/or hostess of your food allergies
2. Have a chef ingredient card ready to display to restaurant staff of foods you need to avoid.
3. Be aware of possible causes of cross-contact:
a. Shared countertops, dishes, pans, boards, utensils, etc.
b. Avoid spills or splatters during cooking
c. Limit and/or avoid buffet lines
d. Be extra vigilant in restaurants that serve Asian, Mexican, seafood cuisine as well as in bakeries and dessert shops.
(Due to nuts, egg, milk, fish/shellfish, etc.)
4. Become a food label detective.
5. Carry safe snacks.
6. Be wary of hidden ingredients:
a. Sauces may contain nuts, anchovies, and soy
b. Many egg substitutes contain egg whites
c. Canned foods such as tuna as well as hot dogs, candies, chocolate chips, flavorings may contain milk proteins
(Casein)
d. Garnishes can often contain cheese, nuts, and spices
e. Be aware of certain cooking oils (especially cold expeller pressed ones that may contain protein allergens)
7. Printable food allergy cards are available online.
8. Request food prepared separately to prevent cross- contamination
9. Be aware of any change of ingredients on the menu.
Call ahead before dining out especially during holiday and busy evening hours to discuss any food allergy concerns with manager.
10. Consider a plan B or alternate restaurant if you are unsure about the meal etc.
11. Chain restaurants can be easier to navigate menu items for food avoidance due to more standardized menus and products used in preparation of the meals
12. Always carry your epinephrine auto injector with you as well as a written food allergy action plan. Be aware of early and typical food allergy symptoms.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

WHO I KISSED- CHASE!

Here's another entry in the WHO I KISSED contest.  This one is from Lisa McDonald and her WIP titled Chase Me.

Send me your entry to whoikissed@gmail.com before September 30!!
 
**
 
I rolled my eyes, ready to retort, when Chase leaned over the seat. He placed a hand gently under my chin. Chills danced up my neck. He traced my jaw line and cheekbones. I almost closed my eyes to control the surge of longing, but I wanted to watch. I trembled like a frightened little kitten. He stared straight into my eyes. I tried to look down but he turned my chin up.

“You’re a piece of work,” he said gently. Somehow those ambiguous words sounded like a wonderful compliment. He leaned in closer and his full velvety lips pressed on mine. He moved them softly and seductively over my mouth and I shamelessly groaned. My head swirled around and I closed my eyes, focusing only on the wonderful sensations. When he pulled back from me, my eyes flew wide open.

“Good night.” He said it softly, smiling while I tried to collect myself.

What the hell? I shook my head to waggle off my burning desire to drop trou in the front seat of his dad's Porsche. With a few well-executed kisses I was feeling things I hadn’t experienced well. Ever. And then, bam. A bucket of ice.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

WRITERS WANTED- Show me your words!



Hey YOU!!!
You've still got almost two weeks to enter the WHO I KISSED CONTEST!

I'm super excited about the entries I've already received and want to highlight a couple of the best ones over the next couple of days!

You've still got time to enter! Send your entry to whoikissed@gmail.com

THIS ONE is from From Linda Dudderidge, it's a HOT New Year's Eve Kiss in a delicious boy POV!!

Here it is!!!

***
    Rose tips her head back and stares at me, unfocused. "I know we just met, but would it be cool if we kissed at midnight? I've always wanted to start the year off doing something really awesome, like kissing a cute guy."
     "You want to ... I mean, yeah, uh sure." Smooth, Sam.
     She giggles again and pulls her arms tighter around my neck.
     Dozens of drunken voices drift down the stairs, counting down the seconds to when I get to kiss this amazing girl, and I can't wait until they get to 'one.'
     "Twelve ... eleven ... ten ..."
     I slip my hands to Rose's face, tracing a few of the freckles on her nose with my thumb. Her Nemo eyes stare at my lips, making me self-conscious. That's it, I'm not waiting.
     "Eight ... seven ... six ..."
      "One. " I pull her close and kiss her. She tastes like beer and chips .
     Upstairs, as everyone else hits the new year, there's a giant crash, some swearing and a roar of laughter. But Rose and I are wrapped up in this kiss that I would kill to keep going forever.
     After a few minutes, she pulls away, breathless, her eyes shining even brighter than before. "You cheated. You kissed me at 'five.'"
    "I couldn't wait." I smirk and shrug.
   "You couldn't wait five seconds?"
    "Hey, I'm not the one who --" I don't get to finish my thought because her lips are on mine again and she's got me backed against the wall. She runs her hands up inside my shirt, feeling my chest, so I figure hands under shirts are fair game and do the same to her.

***

It gets even hotter, but this is a taste of a really hot first kiss scene!

So. Send me your entry soon too, and you might be featured here and you might even WIN!!!!!

Friday, September 7, 2012

Great deals on I'M NOT HER!



I'M NOT HER is currently #2 in the Nook Shop at Barnes and Nobles.

Only $1.99 at NOOK

Great price to download it to your Nook....or your Kindle....

$1.99 at Kindle Store!

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Do you like to WRITE? ENTER THIS CONTEST!!!

If you love to write, you can enter this contest!

Write a kiss scene!

I'll publish the best entries on my website (with your permission) in October!!!



WHO I KISSED CONTEST!Open to everyone, this is a chance to write a scene that tells about a time when you kissed a stranger. Have you ever done that? If you haven't, by all means, make it up. Write about a guy you wanted to kiss. Or should have kissed. Whatever it is, tell me who you kissed! *Please keep it pretty mild, remember I am a mother of a soon to be teenager (ha ha ha) I can handle a little steam but we're talking age appropriate people! Make me feel something. Happy? Sad? Angry? All emotions count.

You can send your entries to whoikissed@gmail.com.
Word Count Limit- 1000 words.

I will close the contest on September 30 at 12:00pm MST.

I will read all entries and select the winner and publish the post on my website on October 1!

The winner will receive a gift basket filled with prizes like...

Jelly Belly's
A WHO I KISSED Notebook
A copy of WHO I KISSED
WHO I KISSED BookMarks!
Swim Goggles



Jelly Belly's !




So get writing and send me your entry before September 30, 2012.
whoikissed@gmail.com

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Have You Ever Kissed A Stranger? Write It!

I am finally, finally feeling caught up with my life these days. The summer, she was a busy one, with HOW I LOST you revisions gobbling up lots of the sunshiney hours. That's not a complaint! I loved writing it and I'm really happy with the (almost final) results. The cover for HOW I LOST YOU is amazing too....one of my faves. I can't wait to share it. 

BUT

Now it's time to focus on WHO I KISSED. Which comes out October 1st. Which is...a month away...GASP!!!!!!!!!

I am super double duper excited about this book, with the inspiration coming from my son and it's kind of (in a very odd way) a book I wrote for him. My son has a peanut allergy and nut allergies and asthma, as does the boy in the book. Alex. Sweet Alex. Handsome Alex.  Who Samantha kisses. A virtual stranger.

Which leads me to a CONTEST!!!!


WHO I KISSED CONTEST!

Open to everyone, this is a chance to write a scene that tells about a time when you kissed a stranger.  Have you ever done that? If you haven't, by all means, make it up.  Write about a guy you wanted to kiss. Or should have kissed. Whatever it is, tell me who you kissed! *Please keep it pretty mild, remember I am a mother of a soon to be teenager (ha ha ha) I can handle a little steam but we're talking age appropriate people! Make me feel something. Happy? Sad? Angry? All emotions count.

You can send your entries to whoikissed@gmail.com.
Word Count Limit-  1000 words.

I will close the contest on September 30 at 12:00pm MST. 

I will read all entries and select the winner and publish the post on my website on October 1!

The winner will receive a gift basket filled with prizes like...

Jelly Belly's
A WHO I KISSED Notebook
A copy of WHO I KISSED
WHO I KISSED BookMarks!
Swim Goggles


Jelly Belly's !




 
So get writing and send me your entry before September 30, 2012.
whoikissed@gmail.com






Friday, August 10, 2012

Internet Break

Hey all!

I will by busy with holidays and revisions on book 4 and won't be on the Internet for the next couple weeks.

If you have anything urgent, you can reach me at jemacleod at gmail dot com.

Enjoy the last weeks of summer!
See you soon!

Janet

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Sneak Peek at WHO I KISSED!

Thanks everyone who came by to visit during the amazing YA SCAVENGER HUNT!

I picked a winner and it was mecharodriguezo.

I've contaced the winner!

Hope you'll all check out Who I Kissed and for now here's a SNEAK PEEK at WHO I KISSED until October 1, 2012!

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

YA SCAVENGER HUNT!


THANKS SO MUCH FOR PLAYING!! THE HUNT IS NOW OVER!





I am on holidays but will announce my t-shirt and book winner on August 8, so peek back to see if you won!!!!!

 
I WAS part of the RED TEAM--but there is also a blue team for a chance to win a whole different set of twenty-five signed books!

If you'd like to find out more about the hunt, see links to all the authors participating, and see the full list of prizes up for grabs, go to the YA Scavenger Hunt homepage


 I hosted Lisa Burstein on my website for the YA Scavenger Hunt!

Lisa Burstein is a tea seller by day and a writer by night. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from the Inland Northwest Center for Writers at Eastern Washington University and is glad to finally have it be worth more than the paper it was printed on. She lives in Portland, Oregon with her very patient husband, a neurotic dog and two cats.

Pretty Amy is her first novel. She never went to her senior prom.

She wrote her first story when she was in second grade. It was a Thanksgiving tale from the point of view of the turkey from freezer to oven to plate. It was scandalous.
She was a lot like Amy when she was in high school. She is still a lot like Amy.



How much do I LOVE the cover and blurb for PRETTY AMY! Can't wait to read this!!!


Sometimes date is a four-letter word





Amy is fine living in the shadows of beautiful Lila and uber-cool Cassie, because at least she’s somewhat beautiful and uber-cool by association. But when their dates stand them up for prom, and the girls take matters into their own hands—earning them a night in jail outfitted in satin, stilettos, and Spanx—Amy discovers even a prom spent in handcuffs might be better than the humiliating “rehabilitation techniques” now filling up her summer. Worse, with Lila and Cassie parentally banned, Amy feels like she has nothing—like she is nothing.
Navigating unlikely alliances with her new coworker, two very different boys, and possibly even her parents, Amy struggles to decide if it’s worth being a best friend when it makes you a public enemy. Bringing readers along on an often hilarious and heartwarming journey, Amy finds that maybe getting a life only happens once you think your life is over.

Find out more information by checking out the author website or find more about the author's book here!