Yay!

On Friday I will do something I’ve dreamed of for years.

I was asked this morning to speak to two Creative Writing classes at Viewmont High School. Eeee! Nervous but excited. Now how do I figure out the right things to say for NINETY MINUTES each? Yikes.

I have book signings for my new novel, Sudden Darkness, each Saturday until Christmas.

Dec. 1, Orem University Seagull, 11-2pm

Dec. 8, Layton Seagull, 11-2pm

Dec. 15, Redwood Seagull, 11-2pm

Dec. 22, Brickyard Seagull, 11-2pm

I’d love to see you! Let me know if you need directions.

photo

Next weekend, I’m going on my first book signing road trip. I’m traveling to Kennewick, Washington and then on to Seattle.

Saturday, November 17, 1-3pm, at Far West Books, 8508 W. Gage Blvd. ,# A-101, Kennewick, (509) 735-1402.

Same day, 7-9pm, Seattle Deseret Book (right by the temple)

Sunday, November 18, my husband and I are doing a fireside in Bellevue. He’s in the Tabernacle Choir and will talk about some of his experiences. I’ll chime in, without promoting my book because, ew.

Should be fun! I can’t wait to see old friends (I grew up in the Kennewick area) and meet new ones. There’s a nice feeling of Full Circle, since the road between Utah and Washington plays a huge role in my book.

Thank you so much to all my fantastic family and friends for making my first book launch so fun!

The support meant so much to me and I gotta say, today just made it onto my list called

“Best Days Ever.”

The fact that the bookstore manager told me I sold way more books than she’d ever seen in her eight years of employment was extra awesome.

**big cheesy grin**

Tomorrow is my book launch!

Seagull Book in Centerville (316 N Market Place Dr, by Target)

11-4

I’d love to see you there. Treats! Bookish hobnobbery!

Wow, so many firsts. My first time on a podcast! My friend Scott Taylor, “The Bald Chronicler,” invited me to participate on his latest edition. I answer a few questions and then read aloud the first scene from Sudden Darkness.

I’m kinda shy about it, but here’s the link. (Is that what I really sound like?)

A Page or Two Podcast

Eee! Eee! My very first ever book launch party is scheduled! One week from today. October 13, 11-4, Centerville Seagull bookstore. It’s happening.

On that day people will pay money for my book and ask me to sign my name in the front. Can it be true?

I’m speaking to the Bountiful League of Utah Writers this coming Tuesday, April 17. Topic: outlining.

I’m hoping to show that you don’t have to choose to be either an “outliner” or a “pantser” (discovery writer). There’s advantages to both, so why not cherry-pick from both writing styles for a great result?

I’m going to talk about different outlining methods. There are many. Hopefully, attendees will find something they’d like to try and will be a benefit to their writing.

The public is welcome. It’s going to be held in the downstairs meeting room of the Bountiful library at 7pm. Maybe all those books surrounding me will give me some good vibes. I could use that–I’m pretty scared.

What’s Roundup? That, my pretties, is a writing conference. It’s coming up in September, and really, you should go.

It’s going to be great. Lots of workshops to pick from, amazing speakers, agents coming in from New York, etc. One session I’m especially looking forward to is a “Simulating the Slushpile” panel. (Similar to what some of us saw at LDStorymakers) People will be invited to submit the first couple of paragraphs from a work in progress. These will be read to the panel, who will then raise their hand at the point where they’d stop reading, and say why. This was one of the most enlightening things on writing I’d ever attended, so I’m excited to witness another.

The League moves its conference location every year, and it’s in Logan this year. That may sound far away, but it will be WORTH IT.

Have you heard of Waddie Mitchell? He’s a cowboy poet, and a special guest for the Friday night banquet. He is SO AWESOME…a personal friend…and I cannot wait to hear him.

Get the details at the website: League of Utah Writers

I just got home from the American Fork Arts Council conference, where I spoke in the plenary session and then did four panels. I’m still alive! I didn’t throw up or anything.

I met loads of great new people and learned a few things about how conferences work. I’ve learned so much at these things over the years so it’s great to give back.

And next weekend…LDS Storymakers. Can’t wait!