Salt Lake Comic Con FanXperience

I'm so excited to be a panelist at Salt Lake Comic Con Fanxperience! It's coming up on April 17-19 at the Salt Palace Convention Center. There are going to be a lot of amazing authors, artists, actors and everything else you can imagine. Hope you can come! Find out more at Saltlakecomiccon.com.

Hoot by Carl Hiaasen

I've been on a lovely diet of Middle Grade Newbery Honor books and just finished reading Hoot by Carl Hiaasen. I've always wanted to read this novel, and I finally got my chance. Of course it was amazing, that's why I love Newbery Honor books. You can pick up any novel with the metallic stamp on the front and know you're getting a fantastic read. 

Hoot, set in sunny Florida, has a heartwarming story line with plenty of color descriptions and characters. In addition to reading about pancakes, porta-potty alligator pranks, and adorable tiny owls, you end with a feeling that no matter how small you are, you can make a difference in the world. 

You can find out more about Hoot below or see Carl Hiaasen's other's novels here. 

Roy Eberhardt is the new kid--again. This time around it's Trace Middle School in humid Coconut Grove, Florida. But it's still the same old routine: table by himself at lunch, no real friends, and thick-headed bullies like Dana Matherson pushing him around.

But if it wasn't for Dana Matherson mashing his face against the school bus window that one day, he might never have seen the tow-headed running boy. And if he had never seen the running boy, he might never have met tall, tough, bully-beating Beatrice. And if he had never met Beatrice, he might never have discovered the burrowing owls living in the lot on the corner of East Oriole Avenue. And if he had never discovered the owls, he probably would have missed out on the adventure of a lifetime. Apparently, bullies do serve a greater purpose in the scope of the universe. Because if it wasn't for Dana Matherson...

In his first novel for a younger audience, Carl Hiaasen (Basket Case, etc.) plunges readers right into the middle of an ecological mystery, made up of endangered miniature owls, the Mother Paula's All-American Pancake House scheduled to be built over their burrows, and the owls' unlikely allies--three middle school kids determined to beat the screwed-up adult system. Hiaasen's tongue is firmly in cheek as he successfully cuts his slapstick sense of humor down to kid-size. Sure to be a hoot, er, hit with middle school mystery fans. (from Carl Hiaasen's site).  

Other books from Carl Hiaasen

UVU Magazine

A couple of months ago Utah Valley University contacted me and asked if I would be willing to share how my education helped me become an author. I gladly agreed because honestly, I loved my time there. My classes at UVU were incredible. After I graduated I felt inspired and motivated to jump into a career in writing. 

My husband is currently a full time student at UVU, and though he's studying Political Science and going into a completely different field than me, it still makes me miss school. I tell people that and they look at me like I'm crazy. I know, school IS hard. It's a huge commitment and requires a lot of time and work. I remember those late night study sessions and huge paper deadlines. It was difficult. However, my knowledge and feeling of accomplishment I received after I finished was invaluable. 

I told UVU about my experiences and how I felt about my education. I hadn't thought too much about it until a friend texted me recently and said, "You're in my stack of mail!" 

It was a fun surprise and I was happy to finally get a copy :) 

LTUE Fantasy Conference

This last week at LTUE I got to participate as a panelist and speak about two of my favorite things: creating awesome villains, and young adult writing. Both panels went well, but I think the villain panel would have been even better had I dressed up as Maleficent... Maybe next LTUE. 

I love going to writing conferences like LTUE because of how motivated you feel when you leave. After going to classes, listening to panel discussions, and meeting new writing friends, it's hard not to feel passionate about your own writing goals. 

So, fellow readers and writers, prepare yourselves. It's time to go after those goals. Ready? Charge! 

Porcelain Keys Blog Tour and Giveaway!

Hey everyone, I'm so thrilled to be a part of The Porcelain Key's Blog Tour. I loved this book, and the author is absolutely amazing. This novel is a lyrical love story that will leave your heart singing. Porcelain Keys is a masterpiece with emotional depth, young love, and family angst. Beard takes us on a journey of self-discovery, second chances, and ultimately, sweet resolution. 

Plus, look at that cover! Beautiful! I'm so excited for this release. 

Find out more about Porcelain Keys and enter the giveaway below! 

Aria's life is full of secrets--secrets about her mother's death, her father's cruelty, and her dream to go to Juilliard. When Aria meets Thomas, he draws out her secrets, captures her heart, and gives her the courage to defy her father. But when tragedy strikes and Thomas disappears, Aria is left alone to transform her that will resonate long after the last page is turned.

Buy Porcelain Keys

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

SARAH BEARD is the author of Porcelain Keys, a YA contemporary romance. She has a degree in communications from the University of Utah and splits her time between writing and raising three energetic boys. She is a cancer survivor and a hopeless romantic. She enjoys reading and composing music, and lives with her husband and children in Salt Lake City, Utah. You can follow Sarah on twitter at @authorsarahb, or at facebook.com/authorsarahbeard.



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Guess What?!

There are some pretty exciting things happening this year. For my first announcement I wanted to let you know that...

This author is having a baby! Time to do a happy dance! We're incredibly excited and can't wait for summer to welcome our new addition to the family.

Also, as you know I've been working on the third and final book in the Shapeshifter's Secret Series. It will be entitled: The Secret of Darkwood Castle. Though I don't have an exact release date yet, it will be out by June 2014. It's going to be a BIG summer! 

And...

I'll be at a couple author events for spring. February 13th-15th is the LTUE fantasy conference. I'm going to be a panelist as well as part of the signing at the Provo Marriott Hotel on February 14th. On March 1st I'll be signing at the Sandy Barnes and Noble's Authorpalooza, and in April I'll be at Salt Lake's Comic Con. All these events have been so much fun in the past and absolutely packed with incredible authors! 

Plus, I wanted to share this epic white tiger figurine sent to me by the always-amazing Anastasia. It's werecat Julia with the truth ring, AND a key from The Secret of Darkwood Castle. I feel like my series has its very own action figures. Anastasia, you are the best. Thank you so much! 

Here's to a very good year! 

A Well-Read Woman

Hello friends! Sorry that I haven't posted this month. Where did the beginning of January go? No, seriously, I think I'm in a time vortex...Oh wait, I guess I was just writing.

 I'll check in soon, but I wanted to at least say hi and share some of my favorite writing quotes from this week. I better hurry before I blink and it's February!