Monday, October 29, 2012

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Inspiration in failing

In our household there are four seasons; winter, spring, summer, and football.  With three boys and a die hard football fan for a husband there really isn't a day of the week that isn't dedicated to football.

So as I sat thinking of a post for this week I caught myself listening to a game they were watching.  With as much effort as it takes to be a professional athlete I couldn't help but relate sports to writing.  For anyone who knows me, I am always comparing writing to random things - I suppose it's my coping mechanism - to remind myself that what I am attempting to do is no different than the thousands of little boys (like my twins) who dream that one day they will play in the NFL.

And just as I tell my boys, I have to tell myself, that with a lot hard work, practice, and a WHOLE lot of determination anything is possible. So that was what I went in search of today - inspirational sports stories.  I realize that there are probably hundreds, if not thousands of stories out there but I love this one.

I am not a big basketball fan, however, I have always admired Michael Jordan.  I remember watching him play in awe, I had never seen anyone jump so far and so high before!  He was one of those players that could make anyone fall in love with the sport by just watching him play.

When you think of it isn't that what every writer strives to do?  To make people fall in love with reading?  To think that something you wrote could help someone find the wonder, the mystery, the excitement in books!

But if we give up on our dreams we can never achieve that.  If we dwell on our rejections then we may never know our successes!

Below is a link to a blog of several success stories and I couldn't help but post Micheal Jordan's story.  He knows his failures - and he knows that in order to succeed, you have to fail.  You have to learn and grow from them.  

Michael JordanMost people wouldn't believe that a man often lauded as the best basketball player of all time was actually cut from his high school basketball team. Luckily, Jordan didn't let this setback stop him from playing the game and he has stated, "I have missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I have lost almost 300 games. On 26 occasions I have been entrusted to take the game winning shot, and I missed. I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed."



And in honor of Michael Jordan, I may just have to take my next book submission photo in white and red, and of course, with my tongue hanging out!

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Celebrating the success of Evertaster

Back in May, On the Literary Rebound interviewed author Adam Sidwell on his debut book Evertaster. A adventurous, laugh out loud tale of a picky eater. Not your usual protagonist but don't quit reading....

Since it's release, Evertaster has become the #1 Children's mystery novel on Amazon Children's book best seller list!

Adam Sidwell and his brother, Jarom, are spreading the "sweet" word about Adam's culinary Indiana Jones adventure by visiting schools in California, Utah and hopefully soon Oregon (fingers crossed!).

Here is the KSL Good Morning interview with Adam and Jarom about their book tour:
We are so excited for Adam and the overall response to Evertaster...and it's just starting! Congratulations Adam and we wish you continued success! Personally I can't wait to see the movie!



Check out Evertaster's Facebook page for more info, contests and book trailer!

Monday, October 22, 2012

Motivation Monday

"We are all something, but none of us are everything."
- Blaise Pascal

Monday, October 15, 2012

Motivation Monday

"Every day brings a chance for you to draw in a breath, kick off your shoes, and dance."
- Oprah Winfrey

Thursday, October 11, 2012

What it takes to be an author

I'll be upfront.  This is not a lame attempt at the world's shortest blog, nor am I joking around.

What does it take to be an author?

1) an idea


2) a computer, paper and pen, even a typewriter would suffice


and finally, the most important step of all

3) the notion that you can do anything you put your mind to - even writing a book




Monday, October 8, 2012

Motivation Monday

"Human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives."
- William James

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Celebrating the success of Lisa Ard

What could be better than crisp autumn days, tree hues of pale yellow to fiery red, apple cider, pumpkin  patches and... a book launch?!

Toni and I went the book launch of Lisa Ard's new book Saving Halloween.


The launch was fun, festive and intimate gathering of family and friends. The atmosphere was all party! Cheery halloween decorations, spooky cakes and lots of costumes! The event commenced with Lisa reading of the prolong (which has a unexpected and very pleasant twist). Books sales, signings and pictures with Lisa were the norm of the rest of the party. Lisa had a great idea to take her book cover and cut out the inside of the picture frame for photo ops. How could we resist!


The best costumes winners were awarded an illustration of the Saving Halloween characters which the illustrator, Christopher Adams, was there as well.

Oh yay a perfect fall day!

Can't wait to finish reading my current as I can start reading Saving Halloween. This was taken from the party favor bookmarks:

A spellbinding tale of outcasts who find acceptance, a girl who discovers the true meaning of family, and characters who are not always what they seem.

To learn more about Lisa Ard, see the pictures from the book launch and order her books, check out her website: http://www.authorlisaard.com

Monday, October 1, 2012

Motivation Monday

"We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing, while others judge us by what we have already done."
- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow