AWOL...and an Interview

To start, I wanted to apologize for being AWOL for so long, both here and on twitter. Building my author platform, I've struggled with professionalism and real life, always striving to keep my use of social media on that thin line, so as not reveal too much. So when I was rocked by another heartbreaking loss in my family a few weeks ago, I wasn't sure whether to announce it or keep silent. Since I had to head out of town to help settle my uncle's estate (with less than 24 hours notice), I decided I should let people know that I wouldn't be around for a week or so. And I mentioned it on twitter. To my surprise I received an outpouring of love and support, so, thank you.

In short, I'm back now, returning to both the Day Job and writing *happy sigh*. There's still a lot to deal with, physically and emotionally, but I'm glad to be home and back to what makes me happy: reading, writing, and my loved ones.

This trip has made me realize life is too short. And I'm not going to waste anymore time. I'm going after what I want, full force. So that means WAY more writing and editing. And blog posting. So expect me around here more often.

Okay, now that all the mushy stuff is out of the way (can you tell I'm a Scorpio?) This is a little late, but I was interviewed by Lexie over at Poisoned Rationality. We talked vamps and superhero names. Trust me, you want to see that. ;)

Thanks for stopping by!

A-Z Reading Challenge March Update

As you may (or may not) know I'm participating in an alphabet reading challenge hosted by Steph @ Thoughts of a Book Junkie.


A - Assassin Study by Maria V. Snyder
B - Blood Feud by Alyxandra Harvey
C - Chime by Franny Billingsley
D - The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan
E - The Eternal Ones by Kirsten Miller
F - Fire Study by Maria V. Snyder
G - Going All In by Jess Dee
H - Hearts at Stake by Alyxandra Harvey 
I - The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney
J - Jonas (Beautiful Dead #1) by Eden Maguire
K - Kiss Me Deadly by Michele Hauf
L - Linger by Maggie Stiefvater
M - Magic Study by Maria V. Snyder
N - Nevermore by Kelly Creagh
O - Once Dead, Twice Shy by Kim Harrison
P - Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder
Q - Queen of Shadows by Dianne Sylvan
R - A Rush of Wings by Adrian Phoenix
S - Shift by Jeri Smith-Ready
T - This Side of the Grave by Jeaniene Frost
U - Unholy Ghosts by Stacia Kane
V - Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
W - Wither by Lauren DeStefano
X - XVI by Julia Karr
Y - (Still searching)
Z - Zombie Nights by Tom Lichtenberg

Read in March:
T - This Side of the Grave by Jeaniene Frost
M - Magic Study by Maria V. Snyder
J - Jonas (Beautiful Dead #1) by Eden Maguire
D - The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan
and
Z - Zombie Nights by Tom Lichtenberg

14 down, 12 to go. My favorite this month? It was a big surprise, but Jonas (Beautiful Dead #1). The idea, the fast-paced writing style, and the characters really got to me.


So, my question for you guys is, what are you reading? Or what have you read recently that's blown you away? And I'm still searching for a Y pick. Any ideas?

Friday Five

1. I hate April Fool's Day. I know nothing about how it started or when, but I am not a fan of being more gullible than usual. So, I vote to outlaw it. Maybe we can make it April Jokes Day instead? I like jokes. See, I'm not a huge grump...just a little one :)


2. I swore I wouldn't do this, (no, an April Fool's joke is not on its way) but I am currently reading a book that is not part of my A-Z Reading Challenge. I couldn't help myself. What was I so desperate to read that I just couldn't wait until I got through the entire alphabet? White Cat by Holly Black. I'm about 60% through it...and Wow. Just. Wow. Seriously. It took me a while to get into the book (it was good, but I wasn't connecting) until things really started going wrong for the MC. And so far, Holly Black is doing three things amazingly well. Writing, worldbuilding, and backstory. If you've read it, you know what I mean. If you haven't, why not? This one is definitely worth a go.



3. Working, working, working! Day job, exercise (which I'm actually starting to enjoy doing), and writerly stuff. I have been bu-sy! Woo. What have I been working on? Right now I'm trying to finish up a short story that I'm hoping to submit. After that I'm hoping to pick my my YA Dystopian again.


4. Yesterday a bus remodeled my car. And let me tell you, this calls for a sad face. So... :(


And 5. Happy April! I'm so glad March is over and my super-big-half-paid-off-mega-vacation is that much closer. 6 weeks and 1 day. *happy dance* And...I've already paid for the airfare. More info to come soon.