Rock And Drool

Hallows Haven: The Journey Begins in July

June 14th, 2013

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Today is a pretty big day for Hallows Haven. The book is being released in July but the cover reveal is happening all over the web thanks to Tasty Book Tours.

A little about Hallows Haven, written by me and Nicole Madison:

It is a YA Paranormal series and it is suitable for any age.

Captain of the cheerleading team, 16 year old Gwen Valiente has it all–the best of friends, a loving home, and a bright future. Little does she know that the people she loves the most have been keeping secrets–life-altering secrets.

When strange things start to happen to Gwen, she is thrust into a magickal new realm called Hallows Haven. Leaving the ordinary behind, she discovers that she can do things beyond her wildest dreams. As Hallows Haven begins to feel more like home, Gwen wonders how she ever felt satisfied with everyday life in Michigan.

Too late, Gwen realizes that even in this realm full of light and magick, danger lurks. Someone close to her is not what he seems and someone will do anything to draw her out of Hallows Haven and into the darkness. Even worse, some of that darkness may already exist within her, threatening her chance to make Hallows Haven her permanent home.
Have Gwen’s loved ones continued to keep dangerous secrets? Can Gwen resist the call of darkness?

The book is the first in a trilogy. The 2nd one, Dragons Realm, will be coming out in October!

Anyways…

You can “like” Hallows Haven on FB: Hallows Haven

Add us to your shelves on Goodreads here

And then this happened.

June 7th, 2013

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It’s been awhile since I posted, I apologize. But in my defense, I’ve been busy realizing a longtime dream.

I wrote a novel.

Actually, I wrote two novels.

Both of them will be released this month. I’m self-publishing, skipping the middleman. It’s the way to go, in my opinion. I like the control it gives the author. What can I say, I’m controlling. Well, at least that is what my kids tell me. And since they are teenagers and know everything, they must be right.

I’d like to tell you a quick story, though. It all began about two years ago when I was dealing with Bank of America. Remember that? Well, I’ll tell you this, I’ll never forget. But I digress…

Somehow, through my story, I connected with a woman named Nicole Andrews Moore. She was going through all sorts of issues with BofA too. We briefly commiserated over Facebook but that was about it. Not much interaction aside from liking each others status updates.

Then, last February, she messaged me on Facebook. Apparently, she was a writer…I did NOT know that then. Apparently, she wanted to hook up and write a book together. I explained that I really only wrote Paranormal, the rest of the stuff wasn’t something I dabbled in…romance, intrigue, espionage, murder…unless it had vampires, witches, demons…I just couldn’t relate. Maybe there is something wrong with me?

She had this brilliant idea…we’d write a Paranormal Romance together. I was like…cool, I could handle that. As long as the Paranormal outweighed the Romance. Because I’m so NOT a romantic, I wouldn’t even know where to go with that if a conversation had to be written.

Or so I thought.

But then, I started writing Hallows Haven and put the idea of writing with Nicole on the back burner. I hadn’t heard from her and I knew she was busy writing what she writes so I didn’t press the issue.

Until. She messaged me on Facebook again. Let’s do it, she said. And I said…OK. Let’s.

So we did.

We planned an entire series called Dark Redemption. Four books. All before Christmas 2013. Yeah. I know. Cray-cray, right?

Well today, the final words were placed on the document, Dark Dawn was finished.

Done.

And it’s being unleashed. June 10th. That’s this coming up Tuesday.

I’m going to be a published author. And I owe much of it to a virtual stranger, someone I haven’t even spoken to on the phone. This woman who, for whatever reason decided she wanted to write a book…which turned into a series…with ME.

I can not express my gratitude. I don’t have the words. And just saying thank you from the bottom of my heart just doesn’t have the impact I’d like to make.

But it’s how I feel.

So, this month, Dark Dawn will be released on June 10th. Followed by Hallows Haven on June 24th. And then all their subsequent books.

This is a dream. Surreal. Because even since I was a little girl, I wanted to be a writer. And then, I never pursued it. And then I forgot about it. Until, of course, I started blogging again. Which led to short stories of fiction. Which led to…

OMG.

I’m a writer.

Even if not a single copy of these books ever sell, I have an ISBN number which means…

I’m a writer. Published.

And I just don’t even know where to put this excitement I’m feeling.

I have a couple words about Dark Dawn…

We are doing two versions…MA and NA (new adult). New adult is a new-ish genre that is for the 18-23 year old set. So…both versions will have sex in it but the NA is a little more tame than the actual adult version. The rest of the book…exactly the same. I just thought I should mention that so…if you are interested in reading the book when it comes out on Tuesday, just make sure you know which one you are buying. When the book is released on Tuesday June 10…OMG…I will post all the buy links for you! Because you know what? This is a not-to-be-missed series. Not even kidding.

Yeah. So this is really happening. I know it to be true, the pinch I gave myself actually hurt.

So, to Nicole Andrews Moore. Thank you. From the bottom of my heart. As stupid as that sounds. Writing this book with you has been a pleasure and an honor. I look forward to the rest of the series and beyond.

Then you saw them, now you don’t or Invisalign is cool

May 20th, 2013

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Disclosure: I was monetarily compensated for this post but, as I always say, you can expect the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth from me. Money doesn’t sway me. It’s how I roll.

I was the first kid in my 5th grade class to get braces. I was excited to get them…for some reason. But that excitement deflated quickly after they were on for less than a minute. My mouth was in pain. And the wires? They dug into my cheeks making them raw and bloody, despite the provided wax.

I hated them.

But, I wore them until I was in 7th grade.

I was taunted with the typical “metal mouth” and “brace-face” teases. It didn’t hurt my feelings, there was nothing untrue about the insults. I had a mouth FULL of metal braces that left me feeling gawky and unattractive. It was bad enough I was already starting to go through puberty, the added ugliness didn’t make me feel any better about myself.

4 out of 5 of my kids had braces. Sort of recently. My youngest is the last metal-mouth victim. Sadly, he is not an Invisalign candidate, he has too much work that needs to be done.

How did I NOT know about Invisalign when my other three kids were going through this braces phase is beyond me. Perhaps it wasn’t suggested, I don’t know.

Anywhoo…
I recently hosted an Invisalign Party at my house. Sadly, most of my pictures turned out awful but these below…fair. OK, I’m not a photographer, I’m a writer. What can I tell you.

I had 13 local bloggers here, most of whom I didn’t know. But now I do. And that was AWESOME! Also, Dr. Scott Tyler from a local Orthodontic practice came and spoke to us about the benefits of Invisalign. And, I have to tell you, this product sounds awesome.

It’s this little plastic plate places over the teeth that straightens them as effectively as braces. The wearer, however, has to be mature enough to be proactive. Because it is a removable product…take them out when eating and drinking anything but water, the patient has to remember to put it back in.

The cost of Invisalign is pretty comparable to regular orthodontics, which was shocking. I figured because it’s such a new process, it would be more expensive. Au contraire.

Had Invisalign been around back when I was a mouth full of metal, I would have BEGGED my parents to spare me the brace face and allow me to use Invisalign. I know that, had I known about Invisalign when my older kids were getting braces, I would have probably opted for this for them.

So, if your teens are in need of braces, check out Invisalign for them. They’ll thank you for it.

Here are a couple photos of the bloggers:

And here is Dr. Tyler talking to us about Invisalign:

Follow Invisalign all over the web:
Invisalign website
Follow Invisalign on Twitter
Like Invisalign on Facebook

Another disclosure because it is required: Monetary compensation for a post of all my own opinions. It’s a sweet deal.

Sort of Open Letter to PR

May 10th, 2013

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To my real life PR friends…NO, this is not directed toward you.

Dear PR friends,

Hi. Listen, I have a headache so I’m going to keep this short and sweet, if you don’t mind. Hm, where should I start? OK, how’s this…

Once upon a time, some guy suggested, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what can you do for your country.” Now, I’m known to get quotes misquoted and I apologize but, that’s the gist of what was said. And this other time, someone said, “If you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours.” A little to the left, please.

I could continue with messed up quotes but like I said earlier, I have a bit of a headache. The change in weather really screws with my sinuses.

What’s my point, you’re wondering. Well, hang on. I’m about to get there.

Oh, my dear PR people, we’ve been over this a million times. You’ve got to start working WITH us bloggers. And by WITH US…I mean WITH US. Not this whole, “Dear Blogger, BRAND X has this really great product that I think your readers will be interested in. Do me a favor, share the info I’m attaching. And I can send you more info if you’d like. Thanks so much bye.” I’m inundated with those types of emails. I mean, my inbox is cluttered and I just don’t even know what to do with them anymore.

I wanna help you. I really do. I’m all about helping others because it’s the nice thing to do. But, I’m also about reciprocity. If I keep doing these favors and sharing your info…how are you going to help me? Are you going to give me a shout-out somewhere so that I might gain more followers? Are you going to eventually offer something more than a High Res image or more emails filled with more information to share?

I’m not a greedy person. Honestly.

I fully believe in karma and paying it forward. Which is why I’m not going to help you out anymore. Because I’m starting to think you’re greedy and selfish. And quite frankly, I don’t roll that way. I’d like to add that I excitedly open a lot of your emails only to be bummed because of being constantly asked for a favor. Well, I have a favor for you…

When you are pitching us bloggers, how about offering to do a favor in return? I’m not talking financial although, some say you should be paying us. Say the brand you are representing has a million Facebook followers? Offer to pimp us out on their page. We like being pimped, trust me. Or Twitter. Or on their blog. Or SOMETHING.

I know that I usually respond to pitches from brands that I would love to work with like this, “Thanks for reaching out. Would you like to do a product review/giveaway?” type thing. I have no problem asking for what I want. It’s how I roll. But…99.9% of the time, the response I get is “I don’t have any products for you to review but I’ll be happy to send you a high res image.” If you want us to review a product, a high res image will not suffice, I’m sorry to say. I’ll be happy to talk about the quality of the image but as for the product, ah…no.

Let’s start discussing how we can work TOGETHER in a way that works for both of us. I know that we can find a way to create a mutually beneficial relationship.

Since we are all living in the same space, doesn’t it make sense to decorate it together?

I’m only happy to help you. Are you happy to help me, too?

I’d love to hear your ideas, my PR people friends. Don’t you think it’s possible to find a way to help each other out?

Signed,
A concerned blogger who would like to save your pitches from the delete button

Mothers Day Giveaway by Dogeared Jewelry and Zappos

April 29th, 2013

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disclosure: I received the necklace to review and one to giveaway. No other compensation has been given. My opinions are my own and I always have my own opinions anyways.

I received the cutest necklace from Dogeared Jewelry via Zappos.com the other day. It has a little gold dipped heart dangling from an 18″ chain with a lobster claw closure…which makes it much easier to put on and take off. It retails for $60.

I didn’t think I would love it as much as I do. It’s typically not my taste. But, I put it on immediately and haven’t taken it off since. It’s adorable. Seriously.

The necklace can be found on Zappos.com. A site which I’m sure pretty much all of us are familiar with for shoes, bags, clothing and accessories ranging in every price. Make sure you check out the other Dogeared Jewelry products!

Anywhoo, I have a quick little Mothers Day giveaway. You can win this exact necklace. Keep it or give it to someone, I dunno. It’s really darling though.

This giveaway ends this Sunday, May 5th at midnight. That should give enough time to receive the necklace before Mothers Day.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

disclosure again because that’s how the FTC wants it: same holds true what i said up at the top of this post. I received a necklace. Nothing else. My opinions weren’t swayed because they never are. You’re welcome.

The current state of the Blogsphere

April 28th, 2013

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2006 had a completely different air in the ‘sphere than what we are breathing currently.

Back then, in the old days, blogging was a community. Sure, it’s still a community, of course. But this Internet planet is becoming overcrowded and there is a survival of the fittest going on.

It seems that the only way to be heard above the rest of the noise, and I say noise lovingly, is to become one with the constant drama. Because, as we have learned, it’s about numbers in this brave new world. And, jumping on the current blogosphere events (yes, like this post) is a way to bring bodies to the blog.

That’s not why I’m writing this, despite of how it may seem. I need to get this monkey off my back, I got stuff to do and it’s being annoying just sitting there demanding my attention.

C’mon.

Really?

OK, I’ll admit that the Iron Man 3 picture of the mom bloggers and Marshall threw me. At first. But, I also KNEW it was meant as a joke. Well…I didn’t know for certain but I had a strong feeling that it was meant to be funny.

And then WOOSH…Backdraft.

Poor guy. He must be a wreck. I know I’d be.

Here’s the thing. We all share this space. Yes, it’s big. It’s ginormous. Sure, there is room for everyone.

Let’s all stop this clawing and scratching.

Respect others opinions and choices. I mean, who cares as long as it doesn’t directly affect you, right?

It seems like many of us are looking for drama to swoop in on and make hasty judgmental blog posts. Sure, I’m guilty. I’ll admit it.

Can’t we just stop doing that?

The photo? It’s not going to reverse women’s rights. It’s not going to be the fall of mommy bloggers.

Just like so many other instances made into big, huge, giant…well…dramas.

We, as a fairly large blogging unit, have a bad habit of taking something mundane and twisting it into a controversial blog post.

Why do we do this?

Let’s stop this already.

What happened with don’t sweat the small stuff?

Personally, I made a vow to myself…I’m done. I don’t care what my neighbor is doing as long as it doesn’t affect anyone in my home.

I don’t care.

If you need my support, I’ll support you to the best of my capabilities.

If you are doing something I don’t think goes along with my personal branding image, well…I still wish you nothing but the best of luck.

I recently said something that I’m going to repeat here because hey, even I sometimes say really smart things.

I mentioned that we spend so much time trying to teach our children about digital footprint protection. Our digital footprint has become part of our reputation, which we need to protect because it’s how people view us.

Yet…

It seems that many of us have forgotten about protecting our own digital footprint reputations. On so many levels. Things we say, posts we publish, images we create…

And my digital footprint is important to me. I want it to represent the person that is actually sitting here writing this blog post. So, I’m going to start living my online life the way I live my real world life.

I’m done judging for silly things.

No more.

Finished.

Done.

I’m going to concentrate on doing my thing.

I’m going to smile when you say something witty.

I’m going to cry when you are sad.

I’m going to rest my hand on your shoulder when you need support.

I’m going to high five, fist bump you on your successes.

I’m going to wish you better luck next time when things don’t go your way.

But I am not going to ever be sitting in judgment of any of you.

We all have voices…wonderful voices…

Let’s use them to help each other constructively.

Not to attack and bring each other down.

Let’s just agree that not all of us are going to agree but yet, we can still be friends.

Please.

For the love of those poor eggshells many feel they are stepping on.

This ex-Mommy blogger says No more drama for this Momma.

Indie Author Spotlight: Nicole Andrews Moore’s “Stormy Surrender”

April 27th, 2013

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Blurb for Stormy Surrender:

Sometimes the life you planned isn’t the one you get to live. Sometimes the pain of the past overshadows the future. And sometimes to start over you have to go back to where it all began. That’s how it was for Joe Masters. That’s how he ended up back in New Hope. And that’s why he was in his thirties and had nothing to show for his life. He needed a complete overhaul, just like his father’s old house. Instead of a fast track, he had slowed down and was on a ten year plan. These days that was more his speed. And as much as he tried to fight the inevitable, he was learning to accept and surrender.

Martha had weathered her fair share of storms in Vermont, was accustomed to the cold, both the chill in the air and the cold shoulder in her marriage, but after the miscarriage she felt like she would never get warm again. So she did the research from the laptop while sitting in front of the fireplace. She knew what she needed when she Googled hope, she just never imagined that it would bring her to New Hope, South Carolina. She never imagined that her husband would trick her into leaving and never follow. She never imagined that a southern storm with all its force and fury could be so destructive. But after the storm, the land is washed clean. It’s perfect for a fresh start, a clean slate, and a new love.

Stormy Surrender Excerpt:

Marti glanced at the hammer, then the tile, shrugged, and started swinging. The tile made a lovely high pitched sound as it shattered. The shards flew about the room, ricocheting off the walls and door before landing on the floor. And because that first swing felt so good, she just kept swinging. Each time the sledge hammer connected with the tiles, she would think of what her marriage had been like. She would recall an incident, or a conversation, or any one of a thousand reasons that she should have dumped him, should have ended the marriage years ago. It felt good. Maybe even great. And then she looked down and saw red. Literally. There were blood droplets all over. Before she could even ponder why the room was looking like a crime scene, the wooden handle was ripped from her hands.

“What are you doing?” He sounded incredulous. And annoyed.

“You’re a contractor? What does it look like I’m doing?” She was upset that he had interrupted her impromptu therapy session.

Shaking his head, Joe grabbed her hand and pulled her out of the room. “I know demo and that wasn’t it.”

She growled. “I wasn’t done yet!”

“You, babe? You are finished.” She opened her mouth to argue, but he covered it. With his mouth.

Shocked, she stood there with her eyes wide open. His mouth was pressed against hers. And it didn’t feel wrong at all. Without thinking, she melted into him, wrapped an arm around his neck, and allowed her eyes to slowly flutter shut. Joe bent slightly and scooped her up and held her against his muscular chest. His lips pulled back, but his forehead was pressed against hers. She opened her eyes to find him staring at her.

“Crazy woman,” he muttered to himself as he carried her out the back door of the house. She couldn’t be certain, but it seems like she would have been carried farther if he hadn’t heard the sound of others talking in the front yard.

Slowly he lowered her to the ground and made sure she had her footing before releasing her. She wanted to smile up at him, but she hadn’t decided what to make of that moment. All she could do was look at him and murmur…”Why?”

“I needed to distract you,” he responded with a shrug. And with that he turned and walked away.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nicki has lived in Charlotte, North Carolina with her children for the past eleven years and her husband for the past three years. Her journey has barely begun and she loves every minute of it. Every day of her life seems to bring new adventures, some bigger, better, shinier and prettier than others. She’s still getting used to that new life smell she’s experiencing, a combination of hope, love, and happiness. (The perfect scents to build a new life on…)

For fun, she spends time with those she cares about, cooks, reads, writes, and especially lives to travel. The current travel goal: visit every Margaritaville. Two down! (Eleven to go?)

In addition to writing on Suddenly Single Journey, Nicki is a contributor for Project Underblog. Her writing can also be found on Shine, where she is a Shine Parenting Guru and an award winning Yahoo! Contributor on YourWisdom as the relationship and dating expert. And she has been published by McClatchy News in their syndicated papers.

Follow Nicole
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And we have a giveaway!

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