Salt Lake Magazine Interview

I'm still playing catch-up from all the craziness of this month! Last week I had four Costco signings, this week I have two, and next week I have another four. I always look forward to these signings, and I have a lot of fun meeting new people who love reading as much as I do. The Costco samples don't hurt either *grins.*

When I'm not signing, I'm writing, trying to finish the other two novels I'm currently working on. In between writing I work to promote and update all of my social media sites--my blog, The Shapeshifter's Secret Facebook page, Twitter, and my website. And June is also my month to teach sharing time for primary! But that's okay, because I'll catch-up eventually, and I like being busy (with writing stuff, not house cleaning or other boring things, haha, just had to be clear). 

Last week I was interviewed by Rachel Davies from Salt Lake Magazine. This is definitely one of my favorite interviews that I've done! We talked about who inspires my characters, how I've been writing about Julia since Jr. High, and how I used to be a terrible student! To read the interview click the link below. Enjoy! 

www.saltlakemagazine.com

The Siren's Secret in Deseret News

Last week was so busy that I never got to post about my review from The Deseret News! I absolutely loved what they had to say, and I was thrilled to receive such positive feedback. I've posted  most of the review below, however if you'd like to read the full article, visit Deseretnews.com.

Book Review: 'The Siren's Secret' is a fantastic fantasy for young adult readers. 

"THE SIREN'S SECRET: The Shapeshifter's Secret, Book 2," by Heather Ostler, Cedar Fort.

In a world of shapeshifting werecats and powerful water nymphs, things are not always as simple as they seem.

In her new book, “The Siren’s Secret,” Heather Ostler, a Utah resident of Highland, leads readers back to the magical world of Ossai.

As Julia returns to Lockham, an enchanted school dedicated to educating werecats and nymphs, she feels unsettled. Following a strange encounter with a siren, an untrusted group of women who haunt the magical world, Julia begins to notice strange changes in her life — especially when she is near water. Her dreams are also disconcerting and her perfect world begins to unravel.

Wrenched by strange forces that pull at her soul and tear her away from everything that matters most, Julia finds herself lost in unexplained mysteries and heartaches. Facing an island of devoted but bewitching sirens, a temperamental nymph queen, a truth ring, poisoned swords and a mother who doubles as her archenemy, Julia must fight determinedly just to survive.

When the people she loves lurch in to save her from agony, they too become entangled in torment and Julia is forced to take drastic action. With truths revealed and hearts broken Julia must come to terms with the person she deeply wishes to be so she can defeat the evil that yearns to destroy her.

“The Siren’s Secret” is an animated sequel to Ostler’s first book, “The Shapeshifter’s Secret.” The story strides forward decisively without feeling reckless and the characters are sincere and engaging.

Julia is the classic teenage girl — aside from the fact that she can transform into a tiger — so her emotions propel her toward choices that aren’t always wise. However, her desire to do what is best always sparks through her decisions.

The supporting cast is full of unique and loving friends and family, although most of them play a much smaller role than in the first story, leaving Julia’s connection with some of them feeling fragmented. However, the driving force of the story is powerful enough to carry it through and leave readers anxious for more.

This tale has a bit of everything, as romance, action, magic, adventure, mischief and friendships are scattered liberally through the pages.

The book is geared toward young adults and is a great choice for any young fantasy lover. Parents can be assured that the story is clean with no foul language, sexuality or graphic violence."

By Melissa DeMoux

demouxfamily.blogspot.com.

Lehi Costco Signing

I'm signing tomorrow at the Lehi Costco (198 N 1200 E

Lehi) from 12-3! I'll have candy, bookmarks, and plenty of books! Plus if you stop by, I'll come with you to try all the samples at costco*

*Only if the samples include chocolate ;) 

Hope to see you there! 

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

Who doesn't like free samples?

Costco Signings this week:

Lehi Costco

June 28th and 29th

11:00 - 6:00 PM

Sandy Costco

June 30th

11:00 - 6:00 PM 

Hope to see you there!

Signings this week!

June 20, 11 - 6 pm
Lehi Costco

June 21, 11 - 6 pm
Sandy Costco

Come by and say hi! (and get some bookmarks and candy).