New Youtube Video is up! Lagoon Day

Our family visit to Lagoon amusement park in Utah!

What's in YOUR future?

Hey guys! How is your 2015 going so far?

I've been wanting to share this drawing for some time. Remember that amazing, talented, wonderful fan named Anastasia? Well after reading The Secret of Darkwood Castle, she sent this image of Caleb and Julia. It just really made my day. One of the most rewarding feelings as an author is meeting readers who were inspired by your writing. Thank you so much, Anastasia! I love it.

I don't know why, but reality has just decided to hit me. I feel this sort of sadness knowing that The Shapeshifter's Secret trilogy is done. It's weird. 

Anastasia's drawing reminded me of something from long ago. I pulled out these sketches I drew when I young and daydreamed about being an author. Next to my drawing of a girl is a list of possible character names. One of the names is Julia. As a thirteen year old, I had already picked out my main character's name. 

It got me thinking. 

It seems that undoubtedly what we fill our heads with daily will affect our future. Our day to day actions will add up and one day we will look back and reflect on them. If we constantly think negative thoughts, how will things turn out? But on the opposite side, what if we constantly think positive thoughts? What if we dream big NOW and fill our heads with hopes, goals,  kindness, and world-changing ideas? Where will that put us in the future?

It's something to think about. 

Oh, and by the way, it's never too late.

Salt Lake Comic Con

I'm so excited to be a part of Salt Lake Comic Con 2013! This year it will be held at the Salt Palace from September 5th-7th. The guest lineup of authors, actors, and artists is incredible, and I'm so happy that Comic Con is coming to Salt Lake, Utah. If you are in the area, I really hope you can make it!

To see all the information on SLC Comic Con visit saltlakecomiccon.com. 

Author Spotlight: Carol Nicolas

As part of Utah Book Month, I am excited to spotlight Carol Nicolas. Carol is a Utah writer and the author of The Sixth Power. 

CAROL NICOLAS

Carol Nicolas, a native of Canada, has a bachelor’s degree in education from Brigham Young University. A teacher, mother of five, world traveler, and fan of sci-fi/fantasy books and films, she and her husband relocated from Southern California to the mountains of Utah, where she writes, gardens, makes quilts, and does genealogy. She enjoys listening to many types of music, including classical, rock, pop, Celtic, country, and music for children.

THE SIXTH POWER

Tania Westing, a high school senior, is one of the Gifted Ones, descendants of an ancient family with seven special powers. Some of the powers are common, and some are rare.

Until her geneticist brother Tom was murdered, Tania lived an ordinary life. Now hidden in her mind is a clue that will reveal Tom’s research, including secret formulas to unlock all seven powers. During spring break, Tania meets and falls in love with handsome Dan Maclean. When Tania reveals her rare power to heal, the evil Gifted Ones who killed Tom suspect Tania has his research and formulas and come after her. Tania must learn to use her powers to help save Dan’s sister in time to keep Tom’s secrets safe.

You can find Carol on twitter, her Facebook page, www.facebook.com/carol.nicolas, or her website, Carolnicolas.wordpress.com.

The Siren's Secret on The Daily Dish!

What a fun, busy, crazy week! Monday I was on Good Things Utah, Tuesday was the official release day and The Daily Dish, Thursday I will be on Studio 5, and Saturday is The Siren's Secret Launch Party! Thanks for joining me on my whole journey from writing and editing The Siren's Secret, to finally being able to see it at Costco and Barnes & Noble!

I had a wonderful time on The Daily Dish, and I got to meet Tony Toscano from Talking Pictures! 

Can't wait for tomorrow, make sure to watch Studio 5 on KSL at 11 am! (P.s. I know I use a lot of exclamation points, but everything seems exciting enough to repeatedly use them!).

LTUE Writing Conference

The LTUE writing conference was definitely a success, and I loved meeting and connecting with so many fellow readers and writers!



I was on two different panels, a first time novelist panel and a social media panel. At first it was terrifying, but eventually my heartbeat slowed and I got to talk about writing, getting published, and how to promote your writing. The questions were great, even the tough ones, and I found it pretty funny that whenever I spoke I used my hands (You can see the proof above). I think I somehow feel that if I mime what I'm saying I can get my point across better.



Here is the panel featuring the artists and designers that work with publishers and authors to create amazing book covers. Rebecca J. Greenwood was the cover artist for The Shapeshifter's Secret, and she did a great job talking about the process of designing her book covers.

 

I did a podcast interview with Authors' Think Tank, you can see part of the crew above. My interview won't be up for a while, but I really enjoyed the discussion we had about writer's block, and writing romance (we talked about love triangles, paranormal romance, and cliches in romance--I can't wait to post the interview).

Thanks for a great conference. Goodbye until next year!