This week: Writing, Barnes & Noble, and Instagram.

I LOVE when someone reads The Shapeshifter's Secret and then asks, "So when does the sequel come out?"

I usually grin really big and say "I'm working on it." And it's true. I have been writing my little tail off to complete the next book in Julia's adventures. I've been staying up past two in the morning writing, constantly scribbling outline notes while I'm at signings, and I've been practicing dialogue out loud while I drive--And can I just tell you, I get funny looks. I'm pretty sure people want to laugh at the girl who talks to herself while she drives. It just helps me get the dialogue right!

Anyway, in between my writing schedule this week I've had some fun moments that I've captured in pictures. And I'm okay admitting that ever since I've started Instagram (a photography app), I've caught myself behaving as if I'm a photographer (DISCLAIMER: I am in NO way a real photographer, it's just for fun).

I'm sure it's annoying to real photographers, all these wannabes (ME) who are suddenly snapping photo's right and left, trying to be artistic. That being said, here are some of my shots from this week.

I was at the Barnes and Noble at Gateway mall and had to take a picture of this. Seriously, this always makes for one happy writer! The Shapeshifter's Secret + Barnes and Noble + Downtown Salt Lake City = YES!

 I saw this Snapdragon growing in front of my mom's house and fell in love instantly. I thought of how determined this perfect, little flower was, growing out of the concrete. I posted it on Instagram with the caption:
per·sist·ence: Firm or obstinate continuance in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition.

I also found a moment or two to indulge in a Meg Cabot book. (Aaahhhh.....)

And finally, I took a picture of this this little beauty. My adorable mother gave this to me and said, "I just couldn't help myself. It's Julia!" 

Mom you are so cute. 

So I hope that you are documenting all the little moments in your life that make you smile. If you're on Instagram let me know! My username is @Hezface. Or if you are sharing your photos through a blog, website, or another account, leave the link below. I always love seeing other's fun, creative, shots! 

Thank You

It's been over a month since the release of The Shapeshifter's Secret, and I have been blown away by my readers. I continue to receive kind words, sweet messages, and incredible words of encouragement. I never feel like I can fully say how much it really means to me. I thought I'd write this post and just say THANK YOU.


Thank you for talking with me at the signings, for visiting this blog, for telling me that you enjoyed TSS. Most of all, thank you for reading my words. 

I'm so touched by your kindness, and I can't tell you how many times I've been brought to tears by your sweet words. You have helped me so much as I continue to do what I love.  You have influenced and inspired my writing, and all I can say is

THANK YOU!

Kayaking through The Broken Group Islands of Vancouver

I'm sorry it's been a little bit since I last posted. I hope you've been having a great summer and soaking up the sun (responsibly, with sunblock). I actually went camping (am I crazy?) last week on The Broken Group Islands of Vancouver. Kellen and I aren't big campers, but we knew this was a trip we did not want to miss.

The journey was incredible, crazy, beautiful, rough, inspiring, scary, and it was definitely an adventure.

Since we camped on multiple islands, we had to kayak to each location. This was a whole new experience for us. 

The islands are so green and lush with trees, bushes, and plants covered in a blanket of moss. It seriously reminded me of a movie set, particularly of a popular vampire movie series filmed in Washington. Okay, I'll just say it, it reminded me of Twilight--mixed in with enchanted fairy forest, and Mermaid Lagoon from Peter Pan. 

We would go on different hikes and stumble upon waterfalls, Indian statues, and moss covered bridges that led to no where. 

My favorite part was the wildlife. Kayaking through the water and having a whale breach next to you is unreal (and terrifying). Sea lions constantly popped up their heads next to our kayak, the deer were up close and personal, and eagles soared throughout the forest. We loved finding tidepools full of crabs and beautiful, multi-colored starfish--however, we did not love so much finding HUGE slugs climbing on our tent. 

I'm so grateful I had the opportunity to see the broken islands of Vancouver, but it's safe to say I'm probably a little camped out for the rest of the Summer haha. 

What vacations have you taken this summer? Any camping adventures? 

Costco Signings--The happy, and the hilarious.

In the past two weeks I have done eight different Costco signings for The Shapeshifter's Secret, and I have learned so much! I have met so many incredible people and words cannot express how much I appreciate those who came and talked to me. Thank you everyone for coming, I am humbled by your kindness. 

Because I was at each Costco signing for multiple hours, I couldn't help but notice many humorous incidents. I thought it would be fun to list a couple of the scene's I've witnessed while promoting TSS. 

Candy, Candy, Candy! 

At every signing I put out a bowl of candy. There are three different ways children try and get said candy from my table:

1- Make the parents to the dirty work for them ("Mom look at that lady passing out candy!")

2-Very timidly (and adorably) ask me if they're allowed to eat a tootsie roll. 

3-Last but not least, the "sneak and grab" as I like to call it. Kids wait until an adult is talking to me, and then grab a fistful of candy in one swift movement and run away as if a dragon is chasing them. 

There are two ways adults get candy from the table. 

1-Ask me what my book is about and then ask if they can have some candy. 

2- Wait until an adult is talking to me, and then grab a fistful of candy in one swift movement and run away as if a dragon is chasing them :-)

Tongue Twister.

The Shapeshifter's Secret. Say that 10 times fast. I know, even I have jumbled the title together. But in the past week I have had some of the funniest responses to my book title. 

1- "The SHOPLIFTER'S secret? Is this a book that teaches you how to shoplift? I cannot believe Costco let you in here!" 

2- "The Secret? Oh I love that DVD, so does this book tell you how to think positive in order to obtain good fortune?" 

3- "The Shiftshareoieukdfjvipeupi Secret?" 

The cover. 

I absolutely adore my novel's cover. The first time I saw it I was just blown away by how great of a job Cedar Fort had done. That being said, I have heard the funniest comments concerning the image. 

1- "Does this book teach you beauty secrets?" 

2- Two different elderly woman approached my table, looked at the cover and said, "I just don't like books like this." (I never know what to say after that haha). 

3- "Is that you on the cover? Wow, she looks just like you!" 

The things I've heard. 

I can't help but list some of the random and most hilarious responses I've received while sitting at my table. 

1- A teenage girl ran around a corner and was caught of guard by the sight of me. Here was her response: "Wow!" Covers mouth. "Oh my gosh, I thought you were a mannequin!" 

2- Two teenage girls approach me. "I'll be honest. We're just here for the candy." Eats candy happily while I talk about my book anyway. 

3- "Is this a good book?" ("It's Amazing!"). "So, have you read this book?" ("Yes, I suppose I have). Then after sometime, "Oh my gosh! You're the author?!" 

I've had so much fun at the all Costco signings, and I've absolutely loved all the friends, readers, and writers that I've met and had the pleasure of talking with. Also, I'm so glad for the all the hilarious incidents that go and and keep me entertained ;-P